Task force formed to study sacrament of confirmation

December 19, 2024

Bishop William Joensen has formed a 20-person task force to study and evaluate all aspects of when best to confirm young people in the Diocese of Des Moines.

The task force will make a recommendation to Bishop Joensen once it has completed its work—hopefully, by late spring 2025.

Bishop commissioned the task force with the following goals: to enhance the theological and pastoral understanding of confirmation; to be aware of diverse approaches and practices for administering the sacrament; to address the contemporary societal context with factors that are having a developmental impact on young people (some of which are causing spiritual, mental, and physical harm to children and youth); ultimately, to provide a well-informed recommendation to him whether present diocesan practice regarding the sacrament of confirmation at 10th grade should be adjusted or remain the same.

The task force will meet monthly. The task force includes clergy and laity from around the Diocese. Rural, suburban, and urban communities are represented, as well as a number of Hispanic representatives and staff who work in multi-ethnic parishes. Laity includes parents, religious education staff, youth ministers, Catholic school faculty, and evangelization staff. Bishop Joensen has appointed three diocesan point people to the task force: Father Trevor Chicoine, John Gaffney, and Jessica Pancho.

For more information email John Gaffney at jgaffney@dm diocese.org.