Children receiving Communion before Confirmation

Last Updated on Wednesday, 23 November 2011 15:44

Do the children in your church receive Communion alongside the adults?

Canon law allows this to happen where the church has permission form the Bishop. There are a number of protocols and safeguards which need to be in place for this decision to be given. One of them is the important opportunity for all members of the church to air their feelings and discuss what might be long-held beliefs.

Children who are to receive Communion must be prepared properly and then given the chance to continue to grow in their faith through appropriate teaching. Their parents and/or guardians must also be consulted.

If you feel this is something which your church is ready to work through a first step could be to download and read a copy of the relevant canon law and also the document,  "Admission of Children to Holy Communion". (attached below)

When you have read these, please be in touch with Sara Brown. ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) She is willing to come and speak/answer questions at PCC or other meetings, and will guide you through the completion of the Application form for the Bishop.

Sara needs to update her list of which churches do and which do not have the Bishop's permission to give communion to children before confirmation. You will shortly be receiving a letter asking you to indicate which you are. Thank you in advance for completing this.

Attachments:

File	File size	Last Modified
Canon Law - Children's Admission to Holy Communion	29 Kb	11/23/11 15:30
Admission of Children to Holy Communion	43 Kb	11/23/11 15:36