Preparation to receive Communion
What’s it all about?
Here at St Nicholas our main form of worship is the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper or The Mass) and we believe
that it is extremely important that our children and young people should be able to participate fully in the Eucharistic celebration.
The Eucharist is a mystery that none of us fully understand, but which we value because of the grace
and love that Jesus pours into our lives through receiving Communion.
What about Confirmation?
Traditionally in the Church of England a person has needed to be confirmed before taking Communion, however the Book of Common Prayer says that a person receiving Communion must either be Confirmed or be desirous of Confirmation. We will only prepare children for Communion if both they and their families wish them to be Confirmed once they are old enough. First Communion preparation is not a substitute for Confirmation preparation. As its name suggests Confirmation is the opportunity for baptised Christians to confirm their decision to be lifelong follower of Christ.
If a young person is already receiving the Sacrament and therefore entering fully into the worship of the community there is less pressure
to take the step towards Confirmation before they feel ready to do so.
If as they get older they decide against Confirmation it may become necessary to discuss with them
the appropriateness of continuing to receive the Sacrament.
What’s it all about?
Here at St Nicholas our main form of worship is the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion, The Lord’s Supper or The Mass) and we believe
that it is extremely important that our children and young people should be able to participate fully in the Eucharistic celebration.
The Eucharist is a mystery that none of us fully understand, but which we value because of the grace
and love that Jesus pours into our lives through receiving Communion.
What about Confirmation?
Traditionally in the Church of England a person has needed to be confirmed before taking Communion, however the Book of Common Prayer says that a person receiving Communion must either be Confirmed or be desirous of Confirmation. We will only prepare children for Communion if both they and their families wish them to be Confirmed once they are old enough. First Communion preparation is not a substitute for Confirmation preparation. As its name suggests Confirmation is the opportunity for baptised Christians to confirm their decision to be lifelong follower of Christ.
If a young person is already receiving the Sacrament and therefore entering fully into the worship of the community there is less pressure
to take the step towards Confirmation before they feel ready to do so.
If as they get older they decide against Confirmation it may become necessary to discuss with them
the appropriateness of continuing to receive the Sacrament.