Child Sacraments
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How St Alban and St Stephen Parish can support you
We no longer base ‘readiness’ for receiving the sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Communion simply on a child reaching the age of 8 (academic Year 3). Receiving the sacraments is not about reaching a certain age – a rite of passage – but about recognising your child’s, and your family’s understanding of what it is to be part of the Church family and a willingness to participate fully in the Church’s life.
Consequently, it is important for families to journey along FiF (Family in Faith) for a while before even considering preparation for the sacraments of reconciliation and FHC.
The parish priests and our team of trained catechists will support you in discerning when the time is right for you to prepare your children. We will support you at this time with parent-friendly resources for you to use to prepare your children, supported by catechists.
Not everyone will be ready at the same time. This will mean celebrating the reception of the sacraments at different times throughout the year. For instance, there will no longer be only one day when everyone comes forward at the same time to receive Holy Communion for the first time. The dates will be mutually decided between us. Where small groups of children are ready at similar times, we would welcome them celebrating the sacraments together so that they can share the celebration with one another, their families and the parish community.
Once a year at the feast of Corpus Christi, we will invite all those who have made their FHC to dress as they were for FHC and participate in the Corpus Christi procession.
When seeking the sacraments for your child, FiF is for you. Encouraging you to pray, talk about faith issues, and have more family time together is good, but we believe it is not enough.
We want to provide a place for you to learn what engaging with your faith actually looks like and then give you the opportunity to do it!
Journeying along FiF
Saturday family sessions
Families are invited to come along on the first Saturday of each month (mostly) from 4.15 pm to 5.45 pm. The sessions are engaging, spirit-filled and fun, and they are for all the family – even Grandma! We enjoy a time of fellowship and refreshment before sharing catechesis and activities and end with celebrating mass together. Each month we explore a different topic.
Please note that the first session will be Saturday 30th September 2023
Faith Formation for parents
On the third Monday of each month, we gather online with parents and catechists to explore our faith.
These sessions are designed, to help parents grow in their own faith, enabling them to lead their family on their journey of faith.
Please note that the first session will commence on Monday 20th November 2023
Virtual Resources
We also send home resources each month which families use on their own, exploring aspects of our Catholic faith.
Join FiF
To register for FiF and to receive regular updates and information about our family catechesis, please use the use the registration button at the top of this page.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Families will be asked for £20 per family on registration to cover the cost of resources.