Please contact the Parish Office to enquire about the next Admission to Holy Communion Preparation Programme.

At St Thomas’ Anglican Church, we believe that children are full members of the Body of Christ through their Baptism. As they grow in faith and begin to understand the meaning of Christian worship, they may be admitted to receive Holy Communion before Confirmation.

The Admission to Holy Communion is an important milestone in a child’s Christian journey. It recognises that the child has been nurtured in the faith through the love and guidance of their family and the worshipping life of the Church. It is not the completion of their Christian formation, but another step towards mature discipleship, which will one day be affirmed publicly at Confirmation.

The Anglican Church teaches that Baptism is the sacrament through which we become members of Christ’s Church. Holy Communion is the spiritual nourishment of those who belong to Christ.

 Children who have been baptised, have received appropriate instruction, and are actively participating in the life of the Church may therefore be admitted to receive the Blessed Sacrament before they are confirmed.

Parents play a vital role in this journey. By presenting their child for Admission to Holy Communion, they affirm their commitment to continue bringing their child faithfully to worship, encouraging regular prayer and Bible reading, and supporting them as they grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ.

The congregation also shares in this responsibility. As members of God’s family, we promise to encourage these children by our friendship, our example, and our prayers, so that they may continue to grow in faith and love.

Before admission, each child is expected to attend a preparation programme with one of the clergy. These sessions are designed to help children understand:

• the meaning of their Baptism;
• who Jesus Christ is;
• the significance of the Holy Eucharist;
• how to receive Holy Communion reverently;
• and what it means to live as a disciple of Christ within the Church.

Parents or guardians are encouraged to participate in this preparation, recognising that Christian formation begins in the home and is strengthened within the fellowship of the Church.

During the Admission Service, held within the Holy Eucharist, the congregation welcomes the children and commits itself to supporting them in their Christian journey. Parents renew their commitment to nurture their children in the faith, and the children themselves promise to continue faithfully in worship, Christian learning, and following Jesus Christ each day.

The Priest then welcomes each child to the Lord’s Table with these or similar words:

“You have been baptised and are part of God’s family. From today you are admitted to receive the wonderful gift of the Body and Blood of Christ in Holy Communion.”

Each child is then admitted individually and welcomed to receive Holy Communion within the parish.

Admission to Holy Communion before Confirmation does not replace Confirmation. Confirmation remains the opportunity for each baptised person, when they are ready, to make a mature and personal profession of faith before the Bishop and to receive the strengthening ministry of prayer through the laying on of hands.

At St Thomas’ Anglican Church, we rejoice whenever children grow in faith and become active participants in the worship and mission of Christ’s Church. We look forward to walking alongside your family as together we seek to know Christ more deeply, love Him more dearly, and follow Him more nearly, day by day.

For further information or to enrol your child in the next Admission to Holy Communion Preparation Programme, please contact the Parish Office. We will be delighted to accompany your family on this important step in your child’s journey of faith.