Bishop Stika announces change of Confirmation age (grade level), effective 2019
Dear Friends,
Nearly two years ago, I created a commission to examine, for pastoral reasons, the age of confirmation in the Diocese of Knoxville. After extensive consultation and deliberation, the commission, chaired by Fr. Brent Shelton and Fr. Ronald Franco, CSP, made their recommendations to me last year. After much prayer, discernment and further consultation, I have decided to move the age (grade level) of confirmation, effective January 1, 2019, to the 5th and 6th grade level.
With this pastoral adjustment to the confirmation age, I also created a new commission to evaluate and to make recommendations on how best to strengthen our young adult ministry within the diocese, as well as our overall religious formation program. This commission, named the St. John Paul II Commission after our diocese’s co-patron, is chaired by Mr. Dave Wells of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and includes members from around the diocese. Initially, I requested their recommendations by this September, but in the interest of thoroughness, I have extended their timeline until the end of the year.
In regards to Confirmation preparation, it will involve a diocesan wide policy that will require preparation standardization. (Note: the policy will permit allowances for some flexibility regarding the size of the particular programs.)
Please pray for the work of this commission and also join me in thanking all those who have been involved in this process for their hard work. Attached please find my formal decree promulgating the grade level change.
Bishop Richard F. Stika
Diocese of Knoxville
Nearly two years ago, I created a commission to examine, for pastoral reasons, the age of confirmation in the Diocese of Knoxville. After extensive consultation and deliberation, the commission, chaired by Fr. Brent Shelton and Fr. Ronald Franco, CSP, made their recommendations to me last year. After much prayer, discernment and further consultation, I have decided to move the age (grade level) of confirmation, effective January 1, 2019, to the 5th and 6th grade level.
With this pastoral adjustment to the confirmation age, I also created a new commission to evaluate and to make recommendations on how best to strengthen our young adult ministry within the diocese, as well as our overall religious formation program. This commission, named the St. John Paul II Commission after our diocese’s co-patron, is chaired by Mr. Dave Wells of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish and includes members from around the diocese. Initially, I requested their recommendations by this September, but in the interest of thoroughness, I have extended their timeline until the end of the year.
In regards to Confirmation preparation, it will involve a diocesan wide policy that will require preparation standardization. (Note: the policy will permit allowances for some flexibility regarding the size of the particular programs.)
Please pray for the work of this commission and also join me in thanking all those who have been involved in this process for their hard work. Attached please find my formal decree promulgating the grade level change.
Bishop Richard F. Stika
Diocese of Knoxville
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