Frequently Asked Questions
When will my child receive the sacrament of Confirmation?
It depends! We will begin to confirm younger and younger students, so refer to the table above to find information about your child. Use the left-hand column to find your child’s current grade and then look in the right-hand column to see when he or she will be confirmed. Confirmation usually happens in early February here at Precious Blood.
How will I know when it’s my child’s year to receive the sacrament?
The parish mails families a letter during the month of May before the child’s Confirmation. For example, families whose children will be confirmed in February of 2026 will receive a letter in May of 2025 (and so on). This letter will come to your home and will have information about the upcoming sacramental year.
What will my child do to prepare for Confirmation?
Candidates for Confirmation prepare by attending monthly Sunday formation sessions in the months of September – January in the school year of their confirmation (5 sessions in total). For example, if a candidate will receive Confirmation in February 2026, he or she will begin attending sessions in September 2025. The dates for these sessions will be in the letter that is mailed in May (see above question). All candidates will attend these sessions, regardless of where they attend school.
What happens after Confirmation?
Confirmation fully equips a person to be a missionary disciple. Preparation sessions will address this, and after Confirmation, candidates are invited to grow into this new role. Living as a missionary disciple could include attending weekly Faith Formation sessions to increase knowledge of the faith, a fuller participation in the Mass as a liturgical minister, living a prayerful and moral life and encouraging others to do the same, increased volunteerism, and being better equipped to stand firm in faith in the face of challenges.
Is the age of First Communion changing?
No. First Reconciliation and First Communion will continue to happen in 2nd grade.
Are all parishes in our diocese doing this? Do other dioceses confirm in 5th grade?
Yes, all parishes in our diocese are following this new norm. As Bishop Siegel and his advisors prayerfully considered this change, they looked to the example of other dioceses who have made similar shifts regarding the age of Confirmation. In their discernment, they have concluded that this is a good change for the Diocese of Evansville. You can read the Bishop’s letter here.
Why has the bishop decided to make this change?
There are many challenges facing young people today. In the words of Bishop Siegel, by making Confirmation available to our youth at a younger age, we are enabling them to better prepare for the temptations and storms that are part of everyone’s life. Confirmation is the sacrament of the Holy Spirit. It increases and deepens baptismal grace, increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and provides strength to live as a missionary disciple. Young people today need that grace, gifts, and strength at an ever-younger age, and we are grateful to our bishop for his perception of this need. Bishop Siegel, along with diocesan leaders, spent many months discerning and planning for this shift. He lists many reasons why in his letter, which you are encouraged to read.
