In an effort to address the growing disconnect between young people and the Church, Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore has made a significant move by lowering the age of confirmation to 9 years old.
This decision is part of a broader push to strengthen family participation in youth formation and keep younger generations connected to their faith.
Tackling Disaffiliation and Strengthening Faith Formation
This move comes amid rising concerns about disaffiliation from the Catholic Church in the U.S., with many young people increasingly distancing themselves from religious institutions.
Archbishop Lori, who has led the Archdiocese of Baltimore for nearly 13 years, emphasized that family involvement is crucial to reversing this trend.
According to Lori, the key factor for young people staying in the Church is the active participation of their families in the faith journey.
The Growing Trend Across the U.S.
Baltimore is not alone in making this change. Several dioceses have followed suit, lowering their confirmation age requirements to help better engage young people.
The Dioceses of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and Salt Lake City, Utah, made similar adjustments in December 2024.
Other dioceses such as Seattle, Boston, and Denver have also embraced this approach in recent years.
Archbishop Lori’s Vision for Family Engagement
In a January 22 pastoral letter, Lori explained that his decision was influenced by a wide range of factors, including Catholic theology and developmental psychology.
He concluded that the active participation of parents in the preparation for their children’s confirmation would help instill a stronger connection to the faith.
“Purposeful engagement of families in the formation of their children is essential in our formation efforts,” he stated.
Lori hopes this change will lead to young people embracing the sacrament with deeper commitment and a stronger sense of their mission within the Church.
A Response to Disaffiliation Concerns
Research has shown an alarming rise in the number of young people who identify as religiously unaffiliated.
A 2024 study revealed that nearly 40% of Generation Z women claim to be “unaffiliated.”
Further, a 2018 study found that many young people leave the Church as early as age 13.
While Archbishop Lori acknowledges that lowering the age of confirmation alone cannot resolve the complex issue of disaffiliation, he believes it is a step toward greater family involvement and spiritual growth.
By focusing on strengthening the bonds between families and their faith, Lori hopes to see young people not only stay in the Church but also deepen their commitment to their faith in ways that will impact their lives for years to come.