Dear Families,

Confirmation is a monumental occasion in faith development and growth. Because many children are baptized as infants in our Presbyterian tradition, confirmation marks the time when students make their faith truly their own.

The Church, nationally and globally, has struggled with how to do confirmation well in changing times. Our church is no different. Over the years, we have thoughtfully made adjustments to curriculum and tweaks to formatting. This year, we decide to act boldly and literally begin with a blank white board, asking: How can we meet students where they are, not adding unnecessary burdens and hoops, while maintaining a meaningful Confirmation experience? We are excited about where this conversation has led, but it means making two sizable adjustments.

First, the confirmation process will now require students to attend several one-hour long sessions. There will be one program offered in the fall and one program offered in the spring. Once students complete those classes, they will meet with Session, the governing body of the church, to answer questions of church membership and share about their faith journeys.

Second, we are now recommending students complete this process in 10th grade. Because of this change, there will be no confirmation classes offered during the 2025-2026 school year. The new model of confirmation class will begin in the fall of 2026.

Let me answer some questions for you below in a bit more detail:

Why is there no confirmation class offered in the 2025-2026 school year?

Our last confirmation class was offered in the spring of 2025 for 9th graders. Since those 9th graders are now 10th graders, there would not be enough interested students for a 25/26 confirmation class. We are waiting for the students entering 9th grade in the fall of 2025 to be 10th graders in the fall of 2026.

Why are you changing the age from 9th grade to 10th grade?

9th grade is a big transition year. Academics, sports, and extra curricular commitments drastically increase for teens from 8th to 9th grade, and we've found that adding confirmation on top of those changes can be really stressful. We don't want this process to be an additional stressor or box to check, so we want them to settle in their high school careers a little before we ask something else of them. Additionally, another year gives them a better idea of who they are and what they believe.

Why are you shortening the time commitment from previous classes?

We are leaning into a model of shorter time, but higher commitment for Confirmation. Our hope is that Confirmation will complement our ongoing programs of faith development for youth by focusing on the essential questions of the Christian faith, the PCUSA tradition, and membership at Westminster that Confirmation uniquely covers.

We want Confirmation to be a joy, not a burden; to be both accessible and meaningful. Fewer sessions, with greater focus and commitment.

If you have additional questions, my contact information is below and my door is always open.

Wishing Peace,

Laura Ecklin

Director of Youth Ministry

Westminster Presbyterian Church

Laura Baumann Ecklin, Director of Youth Ministry

Harrison Burgess, Youth Ministry Coordinator



412-835-6630 | www.westminster-church.org

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