The age of the Sacrament of Confirmation will be changing in the Diocese of Springfield to the end of the 9 ^th grade in high school effective in the spring of 2023.  The previous policy was to confirm our youth in the eleventh grade while in high school.

Bishop Byrne has stated: “The Sacrament of Confirmation is not a “graduation” from our involvement in our faith, but rather the beginning of our putting our faith into practice.  The earlier date will allow our young people, strengthened by the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, to become ministers themselves.  In addition, our hope is to strengthen young people with the graces needed to navigate a complicated world.”

Bishop Byrne has given the Parishes some flexibility in instituting this change, the change will be implemented in a couple of steps here at St. Mary’s. During the change, we will refer to our Confirmation classes in the 2 year preparation period as Prep 1 and Prep 2, with Prep 2 being those who will be Confirmed in the spring of 2024.  Those completing Prep 1 next year will be Confirmed in the spring of 2025.

PREP 2: Students entering grades 9 & 10 in the Fall of 2023 will comprise Prep 2.  Students must have attended Faith Formation classes faithfully this past year to be enrolled in Prep 2 in September of 2023.  Those who have not should plan to join Prep 1 below.  Attendance records will be used, and no exceptions will be made.  These students (high school classes of 2026 & 2027) will be Confirmed next spring in 2024, provided they complete the Confirmation requirements.  Students in Prep 2 are allowed only 2 absences from classes during the FF year.  Classes will be held Sunday nights beginning at 5:30PM with Mass and ending at 7:30PM.  Since we are using the Faith Formation Mass at 5:30PM each week as an hour of preparation, no student can be excused from the Mass.   Attendance is required at all Prep 2 events, Masses, and classes.  Please be prepared to meet this requirement.  Students who do not attend the Masses will be required to meet for additional classes before being Confirmed.  There is no homeschooling or remote option.

PREP 1: Students entering 8 ^th grade in the Fall of 2023 (plus any 10 ^th , or 11 ^th grader who does not qualify for Prep 2) will be placed in Prep 1 in September 2023.  These students (mostly high school classes of 2028) will be Confirmed in the spring of 2025, provided they complete the Prep 1 and Prep 2 requirements.  Students in Prep 1 are allowed only 2 absences from classes during the FF year.  Classes will be held Sunday nights beginning at 5:30PM with Mass and ending at 7:30PM.  Since we are using the Faith Formation Mass at 5:30PM each week as an hour of preparation, no student can be excused from the Mass .  Attendance is required at all Prep 1 events, Masses, and classes.  Please be prepared to meet this requirement.  Students who do not attend the Masses will be required to meet for additional classes before proceeding to Prep 2.  There is no homeschooling or remote option for Prep 1.

As you can see, there are a lot of changes happening within our Faith Formation program.  We are doing our best to make sure that all of your students are prepared to be Confirmed following the Bishop’s directive.  I will be in touch shortly with those who will have students entering Prep 2 to provide additional information.  If you have any questions on where your student falls, please do not hesitate to reach out via email or telephone.

Faith, Love, Joy, & Grace,

Kathy Bladen

Director of Religious Education

kbladen@stmarylong.org 413-567-3124 ext. 101