Admission to Holy Communion, Checklist for Parishes

This checklist is designed to assist parishes that are considering admitting children to Communion before Confirmation. It is not a substitute for the Diocesan Framework and parishes should familiarise themselves with these guidelines at an early stage.

Consultation

• Has the issue been fully discussed by the PCC and a formal resolution passed and minuted? Where appropriate, have ecumenical partners been consulted?
• Has there been a period of preparation and discussion with the congregation with adequate time and opportunity for questions, concerns and pastoral issues to be addressed?
• How does admission to Communion fit in with the overall parish policy on the nurture of children within the framework of Baptism, Communion and Confirmation?  What are the earliest ages deemed appropriate by the parish for admission to Communion and for Confirmation?

Preparation

• What provision will be made for the preparation of children to receive Communion? Who will be responsible for the preparation and what materials will be used?
• Who will be responsible for maintaining the register of people admitted to Communion before Confirmation?

Pastoral Matters

• How have the implications for worship been addressed? How much of the liturgy will communicant children attend, how will they be involved, and how often will they receive Communion?
• How will parents or guardians be involved in the process of deciding whether and when individual children are ready to receive Communion and in the period of preparation? How will the circumstances of families where the parents do not normally attend Church be addressed?
• How will the needs of children with learning difficulties be catered for?

Three years after the implementation of children receiving Communion in your parish there should be a review of the application and implementation.  Who will be responsible for undertaking this review?

The Children's Adviser is available for consultation and further advice and help. Please call Shelley Porter on 01872 24721 or click here to send an email.