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The Faith Formation program for 9th and 10th graders will begin with an August/September required family appointment including your student and at least one parent/guardian in your family. All parents and guardians are invited of course. This is an informal opportunity for us to meet each other and to review your rising 9th or 10th grader’s needs, interests, questions and progress.  

PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR AN APPOINTMENT.

We would like to share some important news about changes in the normal age of reception of the sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Boston and our plans for adapting to this change here at St. Eulalia Parish. We are looking forward to continuing providing a robust program of Faith Formation and vibrant Youth Ministry offerings that will enable you and your family to grow in faith, engage in our parish worship and fellowship, and to serve others as disciples of Christ.

The Cardinal has decided to lower the normal age of reception of the sacrament of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Boston from around the age of 16 (or 10th or 11th grade) to around the ages of 13-14 (or 8th grade). The expected phase-in period in the Boston Archdiocese is 3 years and pastors have discretion on how they may wish to manage the change in their parishes.

Doesn't the Church require a certain age for Confirmation? 
The US episcopal conference designated the age for Confirmation in the United States to be between the age of discretion (age 7) and age 16 and gives local bishops the ability to determine their own policies within that range.

Why is the ordinary age for Confirmation being moved to 8th grade in the Archdiocese of Boston?
In exercising his authority to determine the age of Confirmation in the Archdiocese of Boston, the Archbishop considers many factors and relies on the advice and experience of many people. The current age of grade 8 (age 13-14) is a recognition that the experience of young people and their families has changed in recent years. Students in middle school are equipped to receive sacramental instruction and will benefit from receiving the sacramental grace and outpouring of the gifts of the Holy Spirit before high school. By making this change Cardinal Seán hopes to facilitate a renewal in family engagement in the life of the parish, especially Sunday Mass, and a renewal of youth ministry within parishes, that goes beyond sacramental preparation.

Who was involved in making this decision? 
Cardinal Sean formed two separate committees (one in 2017 and one after the pandemic) and asked them to research the subject and provide recommendations. Committee members included a diverse group of priests, parents, theologians, parish and school leaders, and representatives from various ethnic communities within the archdiocese.  Cardinal Sean also consulted his presbyteral council, an advisory body of priests from throughout the archdiocese.

How will this change in age impact the current preparation program for Confirmation at St. Eulalia Parish?

We have developed a plan that will enable us to complete the transition by 2026. Our Confirmation Preparation builds upon the essential foundation of our 7th and 8th grade Faith Formation years. We look forward to your family's participation!

At a Glance:
The Class of 2026 (this year's 11th graders) will be confirmed on November 23, 2024 as planned.
The Classes of 2027 and 2028 (this year's 9th and 10th graders) will be confirmed in early fall 2025.
The Classes of 2029 and 2030 (this year's 7th and 8th graders) will be confirmed in early fall 2026.
The Class of 2031 (this year's 5th graders) will be confirmed in early fall 2027.

Registration is now open for Faith Formation for the upper grades for the 2024/25 school year as follows:
Confirmation Prep for Classes of 2027 and 2028 (next year's 9th and 10th graders) will join together in Manion Hall on Monday nights from 7 - 8:15 pm. Both grades will be confirmed in early fall 2025.
8th Grade Faith Formation - Class of 2029 will meet in the Parish Center on Monday nights from 7 - 8:15 pm
7th Grade Faith Formation - Class of 2030 will meet in the Parish Center on Monday nights from 7 - 8:15 pm

We are very excited to work as your partner in providing opportunities for your student to not only grow and learn about their faith, but to experience God's real presence and support in their life. We continue to strive to provide energizing and engaging Faith Formation and impactful Youth Ministry because we believe that close connections to our faith community can be essential to provide strength and capacity for managing the challenges faced by today's families!

Please reach out to Cathy with any questions you may have!

Class Schedule & Times 2024/25                              

Grades 7 & 8 Monday evenings 7:00 - 8:15 pm
Grades 9-10 Monday evenings 7:00 - 8:15 pm OR Tuesday 3:45 - 5 pm
Grade 11 Confirmation - see separate schedule on Confirmation Page

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Our Faith Formation program at St. Eulalia Parish is based on formation, not just information. For this reason, the program is designed to engage young adults to see how their faith relates to everything going on their lives.

Our 7th and 8th grade programs are small group classroom settings with experienced catechists and team leaders. This provides an environment for engagement and sharing of faith activities. In the 8th grade we use the Encounter interactive program from Ascension Press to help teens learn how to break open the Bible and see how it’s relevant to our everyday world. We have also created an entire semester based on the introduction of various prayer forms.

Our 9-10 grade programs are set in a large group setting with small break out groups for discussion. We create an engaging and spiritual experience for the teens.

The programs are complemented by service programs, retreats, and social and prayer related events.