Middle School Faith Formation

Exciting things are unfolding! Our efforts to reimagine middle school faith formation are coming into focus with a clear mission: guiding our young adolescents to grow as true disciples of Jesus. 

First, some clarification on what we are not doing: we are not creating a new, one-size-fits-all curriculum that every parish will be required to adopt to the letter. Instead, we are developing a Tool Kit for Discipleship Training – a flexible set of resources designed to move our faith formation programs towards meaningful experiences that give our youth an understanding of what it means to live as a Catholic. 

This resource is designed to help these early adolescents do more than just learn about their faith – it will provide opportunities for them to put their faith into action. The goal is for the middle school youth to step forward as disciples of Jesus, take ownership of their spiritual growth, and view themselves as essential members of their parish communities. These youth will have opportunities to meet Jesus in prayer, in the sacraments, in serving and through their decision-making. 

The Discipleship Training Tool Kit will be organized into three categories of building blocks, each aimed at creating meaningful encounters with Jesus: 

1. Peer Projects – Ready-to-use, step-by-step guides that empower youth to create service projects, design and lead prayer services, grow in faith through collaboration, prayer partnerships, and actively participate in parish ministries 
2. Faith Experiences – Interactive formation to help youth encounter Jesus around core themes such as Salvation History and the Kerygma, the Sacraments (including Confirmation) and discerning decisions as a disciple 
3. Scripture Exploration – Engaging Bible-based sessions that will help youth hear the voice of God through His word and in their lives 

Parish leaders will use these tools to enrich what is already bearing fruit in their ministries and as a fresh starting point for re-engaging middle school youth in a journey of faith that is active, personal, and transformative. The Discipleship Training Tool Kit will map out how these flexible resources can be used in both seventh and eighth grade. 

The Office of Faith Formation and Parish Life will provide training for all catechetical leaders and Confirmation Coordinators in the spring/early summer of 2026. The goal is to equip leaders to begin using the Discipleship Training Tool Kit with next fall’s 7th graders, in 2026. As this project evolves, we will continue to provide updates and more details. 

Confirmation Transition Timeline 

Below is the approved schedule that all parishes are required to follow as we move towards lowering the age of Confirmation. Please note that this year’s 9th graders will all be Confirmed in the fall of their 10th grade year (Fall of 2026). This year’s 8th graders will all be Confirmed in the spring of their 9th grade year (Spring 2027).