As a 2025 begins, bishops prepare for Confirmation season. Thousands of young Catholics will soon receive this sacrament, choosing a new name and celebrating with family and friends. Yet, for many, Confirmation marks their final engagement with the Church. In the months that follow, a significant number drift away from parish life, never to return.
In Ireland and other Western countries, Confirmation is often seen as a cultural milestone rather than a deepening of Christian commitment. Many young Catholics approach it as a final step in religious education—a symbolic farewell rather than the start of a lifelong journey of faith.
Pope Francis has warned against this mindset, emphasising that Confirmation is not a “sacrament of goodbye” but one of empowerment. “If Baptism is the sacrament of birth, Confirmation is the sacrament of growth,” he reiterated in October 2024.
At its core, Confirmation reinforces the grace of Baptism, strengthening young Catholics to live out their faith courageously. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 1303) describes it as a sacrament that unites us more firmly to Christ and equips us with the Holy Spirit to spread and defend the faith.
The imagery of Pentecost is central to Confirmation’s meaning. Just as the Holy Spirit empowered the apostles to proclaim the Gospel boldly, so too does the Spirit come upon each confirmand, calling them to witness to their faith in today’s world.
A Call to Ongoing Formation
Pope Benedict XVI stressed that Confirmation is a commissioning for mission and urged continued catechesis beyond the sacrament. Without this, faith can easily fade. Similarly, Pope St. John Paul II warned against reducing Confirmation to a mere formality, calling it a sacrament of “deep personal transformation.”
The Second Vatican Council affirmed the laity’s active role in the Church’s mission. Lumen Gentium (LG 31) teaches that lay Catholics are called to engage in the world and direct it according to God’s will. Confirmation is an ideal opportunity to form lay apostles, yet preparation often fails to emphasise this.
It is important for young people to understand that they have a personal vocation. Just as the apostles were sent forth, so too are young Catholics. Perhaps their Confirmation preparation could include formation on the lay vocation and mission of the Church?
Post-Confirmation, parishes might look to provide structured opportunities for engagement. Rather than disengaging, they might actively foster participation through programmes like Youth Alpha, Nua, and The ASCENT. The ASCENT, a three-year discipleship process in the UK, provides mentorship, small-group discipleship, and community—key elements in helping young people grow in faith.
While some formation occurs through initiatives like the John Paul II Awards, a more structured approach focusing on the lay vocation might be beneficial. Germain Grisez and Russell Shaw, in Personal Vocation: God Calls Everyone by Name, argue that the real issue is not a shortage of vocations but a lack of vocational discernment. Too often, “vocation” is thought to mean only priesthood or religious life, yet every baptised Catholic has a vocation. The Church, in my opinion, could do more to help young people discern their unique call.
The Challenge for Parishes and Families
The disconnect between Confirmation and continued Church involvement raises urgent questions. How can parishes ensure young people remain engaged? What role should families play in fostering a living faith beyond the ceremony?
Ultimately, the challenge is not merely about retaining young Catholics but helping them embrace faith as a lifelong journey. If Confirmation is to be more than a farewell ritual, it must be accompanied by genuine efforts—both at home and in the parish—to nurture a deep and lasting relationship with Christ.
As another Confirmation season approaches, parishes, families, and catechists have an opportunity to renew their commitment to forming lifelong disciples, not just sacramental participants. The true challenge is not just keeping young people in the Church but empowering them to be the Church.
