In 2024, Cardinal Sean O'Malley made the decision 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). This has involved a transition from our previous Confirmation program. Confirmation preparation is a two-year preparation in our parishes.
Lowering the age of Confirmation will:
- Decrease the gaps between the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation).
- Increase and strengthen the role of families in the faith formation of their young teens.
- Make the grace of this Sacrament available to our young people in greater numbers, and at a critical time when they begin to encounter the demands and challenges of adolescence
For more information on this decision please see the Confirmation page of the Archdiocese of Boston.
SCHEDULE
Confirmation 1 classes are 4:45 - 7:00pm, and include 6:00pm Mass, on Sundays at St. Rose of Lima parish in Topsfield.
- Required Interview with the Confirmation Coordinator
One Parent and student attend. Scheduled for October and November.
- Weekly Sunday Mass
If you are not able to attend Mass at our churches, you can attend Mass at another church and submit a Mass reflection sheet. If you are on vacation, use www.masstimes.org to find a Mass time near you.
- Confirmation Classes
There are 20 classes total. Teens are expected to attend all classes.
- Vocation Interview Project
Due on and no later than March 8th, 2026. Schedule your interview well in advance please.
Weekly Mass attendance is required. Teens should attend the 6pm Mass on the Sundays when we have class and they can attend any Mass on other Sundays.
Teens must sign in every time they attend Mass at St. Rose or St. Agnes. Sign in sheets are located at the entrance of the churches.
Sunday Mass Schedule:
- St. Rose of Lima, Topsfield
- Saturday: 5:30 PM
- Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, & 6:00 PM
- St. Agnes, Middleton
- Saturday: 4:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM
Whenever teens attend Mass at another church, they should submit a Mass Reflection Sheet.
Interview a priest, seminarian, or religious.
Find instructions and submit assignment at agnesandrose.org/vocationsinterview
