Admission to Holy Communion

(after Baptism, and before Confirmation)

Introduction

The Sacrament of Baptism is full initiation into the life of the Church. In the baptism service, children are welcomed into the life of the church, into the “Body of Christ”.

One important aspect of our life together is the sharing of Holy Communion. Children learn from the start of their lives through relationship, participation, and involvement. We believe being participant at Holy Communion will positively encourage them along their faith journey. And of course, Jesus’ own attitude towards children was one of acceptance and welcome (Mark 10:13-16). He even saw them as an example of faith to adults (Matthew 18:1-4).

St. Paul’s and St. Thomas’ welcome children (supported by ther families) who in the course of their own faith development desire to be admitted to receive Holy Communion before Confirmation. Christians “discern the significance” of the Sacrament at greatly varying levels. With their heightened capacity for wonder and mystery, it is quite possible for children to have a more profound understand of what happens in the Eucharist than adults.

Requirements

The appropriate age at which children are admitted is a matter for discernment and discussion between the parish priest and the child’s parents. However, in line with Diocesan Policy the minimum age at which we would consider admission will be 7 years, in order to allow for appropriate preparation. The child’s own desire to be admitted would be established before proceeding towards specific preparation. In the case of children who worship without active family support, others resposible for the child’s faith development would assist in the discernment process. This should always be undertaken with parental goodwill. Parents would be asked to provide evidence of the child’s baptism, and asked to sign a consent form before the child is admitted to receive Holy Communion.

Preparation

Preparation of children for Holy Communion will be led by the Parish Priest or Sunday School leader, and will last for a number of sessions. The recruitment of any leader will be subject to the Safeguarding Policy of the respective parish. Where children come to church alone, there will be support from other members of the congregation, who will meet with the child’s parent(s) / guardian.

Preparation to receive Holy Communion is not a substitute for Confirmation classes!.

Learning Difficulties

Those with learning difficulties will also be welcomed to receive Holy Communion. They will be prepared after consultation with those responsible for their care, education and support; and with regard to their individual capacity to appreciate the significance of the Eucharist.

The Service of Admission to Holy Communion

The Admisison to Holy Communion will be marked liturgically at a special serivce of Holy Communion. The candidate’s family will be most welcome.

The candidate will be welcome to receive both bread and wine.

The candidate will be given a certificate, and their details entered in the Parish register.

Journeying Onwards

The certificate should be kept. If the family moves church, it may be required to demonstrate to the new parish that the child has previously been admitted to Holy Communion.

Children who have been admitted to Holy Communion will be expected to be present in the service from the start of the Eucharistic Prayer at any service at which they wish to receive Holy Communion. Provision will be made for this in the timing of Sunday School Activities.

Church services and activities (including Sunday School) are there to support all children in their ongoing journey of faith, towards and beyond Confirmation, after they turn 16. Confirmation is a rite that requires a certain spiritual maturity so that the promises made can be undertaken with due regard to their significance.