St Mary’s takes the preparation and Service of Admission of Children to Holy Communion seriously, and the programme has evolved and developed considerably over the past four years, during which time 46 children aged seven to eleven years have taken their First Communion, the majority being when they are in year 3 (7-8 years old.)
Preparation for admission to First Communion has now evolved to the point where we run a series of approximately twelve weekly preparatory sessions after school. We introduce the candidates to the congregation at the start of the course, asking for their support, and meet with the children’s families. As the course progresses, the children explore their faith, ask questions, make new friendships and get to know Ross and myself really well.
Once they are communicants, many of the children are thrilled to train as acolytes, which further enhances services, and sends out positive messages about the place of children in our church.
The Service of Admission itself has developed considerably over the years. The children are now happy and confident to play an active part in the service, reading, bringing the Offertory to the Altar, preparing and reading the Intercessions. Many people have commented that this is one of the most joyful events in St Mary’s year, enabling the whole parish to celebrate a very important step in the lives of our children. Needless to say, the children thoroughly enjoy the reception we hold for them in Kitson Hall too. This year we were lucky enough to be able to celebrate in the churchyard; the sight of excited children and families mingling with the congregation in the sunshine the best possible testimony to the thriving life of St Mary’s to passers-by.