On this episode of Iowa Catholic Radio’s Making It Personal, Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines. Together they discuss the Diocese’s decision to move the normative age of Confirmation to sixth grade, the discernment process behind the change, and how the Church is strengthening family-centered discipleship formation for young Catholics. The conversation explores Eucharistic Revival, restored order, family engagement, and the future of youth evangelization in Southwest Iowa.
Bishop William Joensen and co-host Jean Thill welcome John Gaffney, Director of Evangelization and Mission for the Diocese of Des Moines, for an important conversation about preparing young people for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
John shares how a diocesan task force of pastors, parents, deacons, educators, and parish leaders prayerfully discerned the move toward sixth-grade Confirmation in Southwest Iowa. The discussion explores the cultural realities facing families today, the impact of the National Eucharistic Revival, and why earlier sacramental formation may better help young people encounter Jesus and remain connected to the Church.
Listeners will also hear how parents and sponsors will play a deeper role in the new discipleship-focused process, what the transition timeline will look like, and how the Diocese hopes to strengthen lifelong faith formation beyond Confirmation.
Plus, Bishop Joensen and Jean reflect on priest anniversaries, parish life, vocations, upcoming diocesan events, and the joy of Catholic community.
Learn more about the Diocese of Des Moines: Diocese of Des Moines
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