By: Heather Campbell, Diocesan Youth Minister
A new diocesan-wide youth confirmation curriculum continues to take shape as part of a broader vision for youth ministry, in conjunction with our five-year Diocesan Youth Ministry goals. Designed by a team of clergy and youth leaders to be “buzz-worthy, highly accessible, and theologically sound,” this initiative is already bearing fruit across the diocese.
Following a successful pilot at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church in Carmel in early 2025, the curriculum has now expanded into a shared diocesan experience. March 13-15, 2026, ten youth from six congregations across central and southern Indiana gathered at Waycross Camp and Conference Center for the first-ever Diocesan Youth Confirmation Retreat.
Throughout the weekend, youth engaged deeply with the confirmation curriculum. A guided Eucharist became a highlight for many, sparking thoughtful questions and meaningful conversation. Participants also explored vocation and calling, showing special curiosity about ordained ministry and the day-to-day life of clergy. Youth completed spiritual gifts assessments and developed personal projects reflecting on their own call and mission as Christians. These practices invited them not only to learn about the Church, but to begin articulating their place within it.
The retreat also created space for relationship-building across congregations and with diocesan leadership. Youth loved getting to know the chaperones, lay and clergy facilitators, and especially Bishop Jennifer.
This retreat represents an important step in making confirmation more accessible across the diocese, particularly for congregations with smaller youth groups. While the canonical age for confirmation is 16, youth who demonstrate readiness and maturity may participate with appropriate guidance—something this curriculum is designed to support.
Youth have the option to be confirmed at their next congregational visit by the Bishop or at one of the upcoming Regional Confirmation Dates. Regional Confirmation is being held May 16 at Christ Church Cathedral in Indianapolis, June 25 at St. Christopher’s in Carmel, and June 28 at St. Paul’s in Jeffersonville.
Looking ahead, the diocese hopes to offer this retreat annually each March as a shared pathway toward confirmation. The curriculum itself is currently available by request for congregations interested in piloting or adapting it in their local context, with wider publication forthcoming. In addition, the diocese is exploring translation into Spanish to expand accessibility and inclusion.
As this vision grows, it reflects a deep commitment to forming young people in a faith that is not only learned, but lived. For more questions about Youth Confirmation and/or to access its curriculum, you may contact Diocesan Youth Minister Heather Campbell.
