Reimagining Middle School Faith Formation – An Update – July 2026
Leaders throughout the Archdiocese of Hartford have been given an exciting opportunity to reimagine how we accompany and form young adolescents as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. Our vision moves beyond simply imparting knowledge and seeks to foster a deeper transformation of the whole person – head, heart, hands, and community – through a discipleship-centered approach to faith formation.
The Discipleship Toolbox is a comprehensive digital collection of resources, lessons, activities, ideas designed to help parish leaders create meaningful experiences that engage young people intellectually, spiritually, and practically. These resources are intended to nurture a deeper understanding of the faith (head), cultivate a personal relationship with Jesus (heart), inspire a life of service and Christian witness (hands), and strengthen connections within the parish and greater community (community).
Through this discipleship model, faith formation and sacramental preparation become an invitation to lifelong walk with Jesus. As parishes implement these resources, they will also be helping to transform their communities into vibrant, intergenerational communities of faith where young people, families, and parishioners of all ages can grow together as disciples of Jesus.
Middle school faith formation will serve as the primary setting in which young people prepare for and celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Discipleship Toolbox provides practical tools and support to help leaders build a formation experience that is engaging, relational, and rooted in the life of the parish.
If you have not yet received training on how to effectively implement and utilize the Discipleship Toolbox, please contact Kelly Henderschedt.
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).
Log into the Middle School Portal