A message from Bishop Ruggieri on revised policy for sacraments
May 26, 2026
Memorial of St. Philip Neri
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I write to share with you a change that will be enacted in our diocesan sacramental preparation process beginning with the 2026-2027 catechetical year. This revision is the fruit of careful study, prayerful reflection, and attentive consultation over the past year among clergy, catechetical leaders, diocesan staff, and pastoral advisors. It has been undertaken with two primary concerns in mind: the spiritual good of our children and families, and the strengthening of the Domestic Church.
I wish to state clearly that this revision does not alter our longstanding commitment to the restored order of the Sacraments of Initiation. Since 1997, the Diocese of Portland has faithfully celebrated the sacraments in their proper theological sequence: Baptism, Confirmation, and the Most Holy Eucharist. This practice is firmly rooted in the life of the early Church and remains a pastoral strength of our diocese. The restored order remains fully in place and unchanged.
What has been refined is the immediate two-year sacramental formation process that prepares our children and families to receive these sacraments. Beginning with the 2026-2027 catechetical year, this immediate preparation will begin in second grade, or at approximately seven years of age. This change allows our children to approach the sacraments at a slightly older age, when they are more likely to have the capacity to understand, appreciate, and interiorize the grace they receive. It also places renewed emphasis on parental involvement, parish accompaniment, family formation, retreats, and personal pastoral encounters. These elements are intended to foster not only sacramental readiness, but also a deeper and more enduring relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.
Please note that while the immediate sacramental preparation program will begin in second grade, parishes will offer formal catechesis for the 2026-2027 catechetical year for children from kindergarten through grade 5. Some parishes may be able to offer additional catechetical opportunities for children of younger or older ages. I encourage all parents, who are the first teachers of their children in the faith, to seek the support they need to ensure that their children receive ongoing catechetical instruction.
My hope is that this renewed approach will strengthen our parishes as communities of faith, deepen family participation in the life of the Church, and help our children to receive the sacraments not as a conclusion, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of discipleship. I am especially grateful to Mrs. Kim Suttie and Mrs. Gina Czerwinski of the Office of Lifelong Faith Formation for their dedicated research and careful preparation of this revised formation program. I am likewise grateful to our priests, deacons, catechetical leaders, catechists, and parish staff who will carry this work forward with generosity and dedication.
Change always presents challenges, but it also creates opportunities. May this development open new paths for engaging more effectively the children and families entrusted to our care. Please be assured of my prayerful support and gratitude as you accompany our families in the essential mission of catechesis.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Most Reverend James T. Ruggieri
