Grade 8 Program

Welcome to Eighth Grade! 
 
We are thrilled to share some upcoming changes to our middle school faith formation program for 8th graders. Specifically, the age for receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation will shift from high school to middle school across the Archdiocese of Boston starting in 2024.
 
Our parishes will implement a 3-year plan to accommodate this transition:
- 2024-2025: 9th and 10th graders will be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- 2025-2026: 8th and 9th graders will be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
- 2026-2027: 8th graders and older will be eligible for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
 
For the 2024-2025 program year, what does this mean for your 8th grader?
There will be subtle shifts in curriculum focus and new opportunities for discipleship. We will engage in service opportunities that benefit our parishes and local communities, while preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in the 9th grade. Eighth graders who attend Catholic schools are not required to attend faith formation sessions this year but are encouraged to participate in the service projects and other activities offered throughout the program year in preparation for receiving the sacrament of Confirmation in our parishes.
 
As we slowly integrate our Confirmation Year One and Year Two programs into the middle school grades, here are some considerations for the upcoming year, 2024-2025:
 
In-Person Program Options:
Using the "Called to Be Catholic" curriculum by Joe Paprocki, DMin, and elements from "Zeal" by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries, youth will delve into the basics of our Catholic faith based on the Four Pillars: The Creed, Sacraments, Prayer, and Living a Moral Life. They will also examine the sacrament of Confirmation more closely as they prepare to receive it the following year as 9th graders. Sessions will be held monthly on Sunday evenings from 6pm to 8pm.
 
At-Home Program Options:
With materials from "Zeal," a family sacramental preparatory program by Faith and Family Life Catholic Ministries, youth and their parents will dedicate time to weekly catechesis at home, attend Mass regularly, and participate in the sacraments, as they begin to focus on preparing to receive the sacrament of Confirmation as 9^th graders.