Communion Before Confirmation

Admission of Baptised Children to Communion before Confirmation

If you have recently moved into the parishes and a member, or members of your family have already been admitted to Holy Communion before Confirmation at another parish it is an easy matter to ensure that the reception of Communion continues.  Simply contact Rev Bill Hornsby to introduce yourself and your family and make arrangements to show the Certificate of Admission to Holy Communion.  We can then ensure that those who assist at the distribution of Communion are properly briefed.

Shortly before Easter 2010 the parishes were notified that the Diocesan Children and Young People's Ministry Adviser had endorsed, and Bishop Trevor had authorized, our application to be able to admit to Communion those who are baptised but not yet Confirmed.

We have now moved ahead and have suitable age-specific resources so that those young people who would like to make this further step on their journey of faith can be offered some preparation.  One or two families have already expressed interest in bringing their young people into the position of being able to share Holy Communion.  We are arranging a suitable date, probably early autumn, for the "Admission to Holy Communion" to be celebrated at one of the services.

If you would like to discuss this possibility for a member of your own family, then please do not hesitate to contact Rev Bill Hornsby.  Suitable age-specific preparation can then be arranged, either as part of a small group, or on an individual one-to-one basis.

 It should be emphasised that the Bishop's authorization is very much about "enabling" young people to receive Communion and is absolutely not about "requiring".  This development will not be for every family and different integrities of understanding are very much to be expected and respected.

Bishop Trevor concluded his letter of authorization:

"As a dioces we recognise how important it is for children to be fully included in our worship and I join with you in prayer that your ministry with children and young people continues to be life-giving to all involved.

With my prayers and best wishes,

+Trevor."