John Gaffney from the Diocese of Des Moines joins Deacon Mark Campbell to discuss a landmark shift in sacramental preparation: the Diocese of Des Moines is moving confirmation from tenth grade to sixth grade. Rooted in extensive listening and discernment led by Bishop Johnson, the change introduces a new discipleship pathway model that forms young Catholics in identity, encounter, and mission. A parent formation component and partnerships with Halo, FORMED, and Our Sunday Visitor's Real + True program are central to the new approach.
John Gaffney, Director of Faith Formation for the Diocese of Des Moines, joins The Catholic Morning Show to unpack one of the most significant changes in sacramental preparation in the diocese in decades.
Why the Change? The conversation began with a direct question from Bishop Johnson: is tenth grade the best place to confer confirmation? A diocesan task force — including clergy and laity from rural, suburban, and urban communities — analyzed data, surveyed parents and candidates, and studied what other dioceses across the country are doing. Two recommendations emerged: restored order (baptism, confirmation, and first Eucharist together, as at the Easter Vigil) and moving confirmation to sixth grade. Bishop discerned that the diocese was not yet ready for restored order, but moved forward with the sixth grade transition after extended prayer and discernment.
The Discipleship Pathway The new model is not simply an age change — it is a complete rethinking of confirmation preparation structured around three phases:
Parent and Sponsor Formation A parent formation component runs alongside the candidate process, acknowledging that parish faith formation time with young people is limited and that parents are the primary formators of faith. The Diocese is partnering with the Halo app, FORMED, and Our Sunday Visitor's Real + True program to provide aligned resources for parents to go deeper in their own faith. Dedicated sponsor resources are also being developed to equip confirmation sponsors for meaningful accompaniment.
Timeline Resources are being assembled this summer, built on feedback from priests, deacons, faith formation leaders, and parents. Parish workshops will begin in the fall of 2026.
Learn More:
https://www.dmdiocese.org/ministries-and-faith-formation/youth-ministry/confirmation
Also on the radar this weekend: join Catholic Des Moines police officers on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1:30 PM at the Des Moines Police Department (25 East First Street, Des Moines) for a Rosary and Litany of the Sacred Heart for the State of Iowa.
🔗 Iowa Catholic Radio: IowaCatholicRadio.com 🔗 FORMED: FORMED.org 🔗 Halo App: HaloApp.com
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