Confirmation

At first glance it does seem like a lot of time invested in this process for it to be dragged out so long. I forsee that if there's a neighboring parish with yearly confirmation that some families will jump ship instead of dealing with the changes at your current parish. If there is a neighboring parish, why not combine confirmation between the 2 parishes instead so it happens yearly?

Our parish does it in 8th grade, and the kids have to have 2 years of preparation before the sacraments (both communion and confirmation) are given to the kids. The 2 year preparation requirement was a diocesean requirement that was enacted a couple years ago.

~Trish

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
--old Irish blessing

Irish siggy courtesy beaches59

It all depends on the Archdiocese and who is teaching the classes. I teach Confirmation. I love teaching it, but most rules are decided by the Archdiocese and what the Bishop is comfortable with, from there I look at my schedule and then determine how long my program will be (10 weeks minimum and 2 years maxium). In Seattle, Confirmation is done AFTER age 16. Kids are responsible for attending classes and choosing a sponsor.

If you don't feel that you can commit to 2 years, then don't. It is your child's committment. It is better to go through your parish than your school anyway. It's too easy for kids to feel that the school is making them do it, and it needs to be a choice by their own free will or else it is not valid. There is nothing wrong with waiting until they are old enough to drive themselves.

The school probably has new regulations or a new coordinator. Just go ask the person in charge. See why the changes were made, and express your concerns. They'll help you figure out what wil be bes for your family. and ask your child. See if your child feels ready or if it might be a better idea to hold off.

Hope that helps.

Wow,14-20 meetings does seem like alot.

Like First Communion,Confirmation is an additional saramental prep year for kids receiving it IME.