Bishop Wack Announces Move to the Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Bishop Wack is delighted to announce a coming change in sacramental practice for baptized Catholics receiving the fullness of Christian initiation through Confirmation and Eucharist. He had the following to say summarizing what this shift entails:

"As new sacramental guidelines are being developed for our diocese, a change in the age for the reception of the Sacrament of Confirmation was considered. After study, consultation, and prayer, I have decided that the age for the Sacrament of Confirmation for children in the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee will be moved to an earlier age. Beginning in 2025, we will be moving gradually and methodically toward a "restored order" of the Sacraments of Initiation that will be completed in 2028. Practically speaking, this means that children, around the age of discretion (7), will receive the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist (First Communion) at the same Mass when properly catechized and disposed.

This transition is part of a larger initiative in our diocese to renew faith in the family by encouraging, empowering, and equipping parents to assume their role as primary educators of their children, handing the Catholic Faith on to their children. Our Diocesan Ministries Office, in particular the Office of Faith Formation, will work closely with parishes and Catholic schools to develop throughout our diocese a strong emphasis on "family catechesis," with parents taking a more active role in the faith formation of their child(ren) - especially in preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments."

Read Bishop Wack's full statement in English or en Español