Preparing for Baptism, Confirmation and First Holy Communion
Children aged seven and over who have not been baptised are warmly welcomed to begin a journey towards Christian initiation.
Once a child is old enough to understand and respond personally to the Catholic faith, preparation is different from the preparation given to parents before the Baptism of a baby.
The child is gradually helped to:
- hear and respond to the Gospel;
- know and love Jesus Christ;
- learn the Catholic faith;
- pray personally and with the Church;
- take part in Sunday Mass;
- turn away from sin;
- become part of the parish;
- and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
Preparation is personal, supported by the child’s family and adapted to the child’s age and needs. It is based on faith, understanding, conversion and readiness, not simply a school year or the completion of a fixed course.
The first step is a conversation with the parish.
Who is this pathway for?
This pathway is for a child who:
- is aged seven or over;
- has reached the use of reason;
- has never been baptised;
- wishes to become a Catholic;
- and is able, with appropriate support, to begin responding personally to the faith.
This is sometimes called Christian Initiation for Children of Catechetical Age, or RCIC.
Every child begins from a different place. Some already pray and attend Mass with their family. Others have little previous knowledge of the Catholic faith. There is no need for a child to know everything before beginning.
Has your child already been baptised?
A valid Christian Baptism can never be repeated. It is important to establish the child’s baptismal status before preparation begins.
Baptised Catholic children
If your child was baptised Catholic but has not yet made First Confession or First Holy Communion, please use the ordinary preparation pathways:
Children baptised in another Christian community
A child who has already received a valid Christian Baptism is not baptised again. A separate pathway prepares the child to profess the Catholic faith and be received into full communion with the Catholic Church.
COMING INTO THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, BAPTISED CHILDREN
If you are unsure whether your child has been baptised, or whether a previous Baptism was valid, please tell the parish priest at the first conversation.
What are you asking for?
When a child asks for Baptism, the family is asking for much more than a special occasion, a place in a Catholic school or permission to receive First Holy Communion.
They are asking that the child receive new life in Jesus Christ.
In Baptism, the child is:
- freed from original sin and every personal sin committed before Baptism;
- born again by water and the Holy Spirit;
- united with Jesus Christ;
- made an adopted child of God;
- incorporated into Christ and his Church;
- given sanctifying grace;
- and marked permanently as belonging to Christ.
Baptism is the gateway to Christian life.
Because the child has reached the use of reason, they take part personally. They learn the faith, express their own desire for Baptism, reject sin and profess the Catholic faith.
In asking for Baptism, the child is asking to be born again in Christ and to begin living as a member of his Church.
Thinking about faith as a family?
A child aged seven or over is old enough to begin responding personally to Jesus Christ and the Catholic faith.
Their questions about Baptism can sometimes raise questions for the whole family too.
Perhaps you were brought up Catholic but have been away from Mass.
Perhaps you are unsure what you believe yourself.
Perhaps your child has begun asking about God and you are not sure how to answer.
You do not need to pretend that everything is already in place.
This can be an opportunity for the whole family to begin exploring faith together.
If you would like to discover more about Jesus Christ and what Christian faith means for your own life, begin here:
If you were baptised Catholic but have been away from the Church, you may also find Returning to the Faith helpful.
Your child’s preparation remains their own journey of faith. As they begin learning to know and follow Christ, parents are warmly encouraged to pray with them, come to Sunday Mass with them and explore any questions of their own.
The Sacraments of Christian Initiation
Baptism, Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist belong together.
An unbaptised child who has reached the use of reason normally receives the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation together and in their proper order:
Baptism → Confirmation → First Holy Communion
The bishop or priest who baptises the child also confers Confirmation. The newly baptised and confirmed child then receives Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
If a grave reason requires a different arrangement, the parish priest will explain this and ensure that the Church’s law and the directions of the diocese are followed.
How the journey works
Christian initiation is a journey of faith and conversion, not simply a set of lessons.
1. Enquiry and welcome
The journey begins with a conversation between the child, family and parish priest.
We will talk about:
- the child’s previous experience of Christianity;
- whether the child has ever been baptised;
- why the child wishes to become Catholic;
- the family’s participation in Sunday Mass;
- any learning, communication or practical needs;
- and how the parish can accompany the family.
The child begins attending Sunday Mass and becoming familiar with the parish community.
2. Learning about Jesus and the Catholic faith
The child works through My Christian Initiation Catechism with a parent or parish mentor.
The catechism contains sixteen conversations covering God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Catholic Church, prayer, the Commandments, Baptism, Confirmation, the Mass and the Holy Eucharist.
A parent remains involved throughout. If a mentor accompanies the child, the mentor supports the family rather than replacing the parents. A parent or responsible adult remains present when a child meets a mentor.
3. Becoming a catechumen
When the child has begun to believe in Jesus Christ and sincerely wishes to continue towards Baptism, the Church celebrates the Rite of Acceptance into the Order of Catechumens.
The child then becomes a catechumen.
The catechumenate is a real period of formation in Catholic faith and Christian life. It includes:
- Catholic teaching;
- Sunday worship;
- prayer;
- conversion;
- Christian living;
- family support;
- parish belonging;
- and the Church’s rites and blessings.
It lasts for as long as genuine growth requires.
4. Final preparation
When the child is ready, there is a period of more immediate spiritual preparation.
The child reviews the meaning of the Sacraments, learns what will happen during the celebration, practises the necessary responses and prepares to reject sin and profess the Catholic faith personally.
The parish priest makes the final pastoral judgement about readiness.
5. Receiving the Sacraments
When the child is properly prepared, the Sacraments of Christian Initiation are celebrated:
- Baptism
- Confirmation
- First Holy Communion
The heart of the celebration is not the clothing, photographs, presents or family gathering. It is what Jesus Christ gives:
- new life in Baptism;
- the strengthening and seal of the Holy Spirit in Confirmation;
- and himself in the Holy Eucharist.
6. Mystagogy and continuing formation
Christian initiation is a beginning, not a graduation.
After receiving the Sacraments, the newly initiated child continues through a period called mystagogy. This means being led more deeply into the mysteries and grace of the Sacraments already received.
The family, godparent, mentor and parish continue helping the child to grow through Sunday Mass, Holy Communion, Confession, prayer, Catholic teaching, charity and parish life.
Preparation resources
My Christian Initiation Catechism
This is the principal preparation book for an unbaptised child aged seven or over.
Its sixteen conversations are:
- God Calls Me
- The One God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- Creation, Sin and the Promise of Salvation
- Jesus Christ Our Saviour
- The Paschal Mystery
- The Holy Spirit and the Catholic Church
- Faith, the Creed and Sacred Tradition
- Prayer and the Christian Life
- The Commandments, Sin and Conversion
- The Journey of a Catechumen
- Holy Baptism
- The Signs and Celebration of Baptism
- The Holy Eucharist and the Real Presence
- The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
- Receiving First Holy Communion
- Living as a New Catholic
The book also includes a step-by-step guide to the journey of Christian initiation, an explanation of the celebration of Baptism, practical guidance for Mass and Holy Communion, prayers to learn and use, an optional summary catechism, and a gentle readiness conversation for the child and family.
It is written in clear, accessible language for children aged approximately seven to ten, with guidance throughout for the parent, carer or parish mentor accompanying them.
DOWNLOAD MY CHRISTIAN INITIATION CATECHISM
Christian Initiation Activity and Conversation Companion
This practical companion is for parents, mentors and priests.
It is used alongside My Christian Initiation Catechism. The catechism provides the Catholic teaching, while the companion makes that teaching personal and memorable through simple activities, objects, questions, prayer and practical exercises.
It contains an activity and conversation for each of the sixteen catechism lessons, together with:
- a simple activity kit;
- guidance for parents and mentors;
- practical preparation for the rites;
- a summary of the catechumenal journey;
- and help with discerning readiness.
No lesson planning or specialist equipment is required.
DOWNLOAD THE CHRISTIAN INITIATION ACTIVITY AND CONVERSATION COMPANION
Christian Initiation App
The app contains the preparation material in a simple digital format, with questions to help the child remember what has been learnt.
It is an additional help. It does not replace personal conversation, the printed catechism, Sunday Mass, prayer or parish accompaniment.
OPEN THE CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF CHILDREN APP
Short Parish Pathway Guide
This leaflet provides a short overview of the complete pathway for the child and family.
DOWNLOAD THE CHRISTIAN INITIATION PARISH PATHWAY GUIDE
How to use the catechism
Our My Christian Initiation Catechism contains sixteen gentle conversations to help unbaptised children aged seven and over come to know Jesus Christ, understand the Catholic faith and prepare for the Sacraments of Christian Initiation.
The book is designed to be shared with a parent, carer or parish mentor. No teaching experience, lesson preparation or additional materials are needed. Everything required is included in the catechism.
Each conversation follows six simple steps:
- Begin together – Start with a familiar question or experience and listen to what the child thinks.
- Read together – Read the teaching slowly, explaining unfamiliar words and allowing time for questions.
- Talk and understand – Use the questions and suggested answers to help the child understand what has been taught. Encourage answers in the child’s own words.
- Remember – Learn one short catechism answer expressing the central truth of the conversation.
- Pray together – Finish with a simple prayer, asking Jesus to help the child grow in faith and love.
- One small step – Choose a practical action to help the child live what has been learnt through prayer, Sunday Mass, kindness or family life.
There is no need to rush.
Around ten to fifteen minutes may be enough for one conversation. Some children will need longer, while others may benefit from shorter conversations spread over several days.
Children should be encouraged to ask questions and express their understanding naturally. The suggested answers are there to help adults explain the Catholic faith correctly, not to turn preparation into an examination.
A child may respond by speaking, pointing, signing or another suitable means of communication. Reading and writing ability are not tests of readiness for the Sacraments.
Using the Activity and Conversation Companion
The optional Christian Initiation Activity and Conversation Companion follows the same sixteen subjects and offers additional discussions, simple activities and practical examples.
Families and mentors may use it whenever extra help would be useful. It is not necessary to complete every activity, and the catechism itself contains the teaching needed for each conversation.
Preparation is more than completing a book
These sixteen conversations are not a sixteen-week course or a test to be passed.
Christian initiation also includes Sunday Mass, prayer, the support of family and parish, a growing desire to follow Jesus Christ, and participation in the Church’s appropriate rites.
The parish priest accompanies the child and family, discerning readiness according to the child’s understanding, circumstances, faith and developing Christian life.
The aim is not simply to finish sixteen conversations. It is to help the child know and love Jesus Christ, freely ask for Baptism, receive the Sacraments with faith, and begin living as a member of His Church.
Sunday Mass and family life
Christian initiation belongs within the worshipping life of the Church.
Before Baptism, the child cannot receive Holy Communion. The child is nevertheless warmly invited to attend Sunday Mass, hear Sacred Scripture, join the prayers and become familiar with the worship and people of the parish.
Parents remain the first teachers of their children in faith. You do not need to be a trained catechist or know every answer.
The most important things are straightforward:
- come to Sunday Mass together;
- work through the catechism conversations;
- pray with your child;
- read the Gospels;
- speak naturally about Jesus and the Catholic faith;
- practise forgiveness and charity at home;
- help your child learn the basic prayers;
- and welcome the child’s questions.
If it has been some time since your family attended Mass, simply begin. Your child’s preparation can become an opportunity for the whole family to grow or begin again.
Does an unbaptised child make First Confession?
No. Confession is a sacrament for someone who has already been baptised.
Baptism itself forgives:
- original sin;
- every personal sin committed before Baptism;
- and all punishment due to those sins.
Before Baptism, the child is still taught about conscience, the Commandments, deliberate sin, repentance, forgiveness and making amends. They learn to turn away from sin and towards Jesus Christ.
After Baptism, Confession becomes part of the child’s ordinary Catholic life.
A child who was already validly baptised follows a different pathway and may need to receive First Confession before Reception or First Holy Communion.
The Holy Eucharist
In Holy Communion, the child receives Jesus Christ himself.
After the consecration, Jesus is truly, really and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
The Eucharist is not ordinary bread, merely a symbol or a reward for finishing preparation.
The child learns:
- who Jesus Christ is;
- what happens at the consecration;
- the meaning of the Real Presence;
- how the Mass makes present Christ’s one Sacrifice;
- how to receive Holy Communion reverently;
- why “Amen” is a profession of faith;
- and how to pray in thanksgiving after receiving Our Lord.
Godparents and sponsors
A godparent is not simply an honorary guest. The godparent helps the newly baptised child live according to the grace and responsibilities of Baptism.
A Catholic godparent should normally:
- be chosen because they genuinely intend to fulfil the role;
- be a Catholic who has received Confirmation and the Holy Eucharist;
- practise the Catholic faith;
- normally be at least sixteen years old;
- not be the father or mother of the child;
- and not be prevented from undertaking the role by Church law.
One Catholic godparent is sufficient.
If two godparents are chosen, one is male and one is female. A baptised non-Catholic Christian may take part as a Christian witness alongside a Catholic godparent.
During the catechumenate, a sponsor may accompany the child in prayer, faith and parish life. The sponsor may become the child’s godparent if all the Church’s requirements are met.
Please ask the parish priest about any uncertainty before making firm arrangements.
When is a child ready?
Readiness does not mean perfect memory, advanced theological language or passing a public examination.
According to their age and ability, the child should gradually be able to:
- express a personal desire for Baptism;
- know that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit;
- know who Jesus Christ is;
- understand simply that Jesus died and rose again to save us;
- recognise the Catholic Church as the family into which they are being received;
- understand that Baptism forgives sin and gives new life in Christ;
- begin praying personally and with the Church;
- recognise the difference between temptation, accidents and deliberately chosen sin;
- participate regularly in Sunday Mass;
- believe that the consecrated Eucharist is truly Jesus Christ;
- understand how to receive Holy Communion reverently;
- and desire to continue living as a Catholic afterwards.
Preparation is not intended to frighten or pressure a child. The priest listens to the child, family and mentor and makes the final pastoral judgement about readiness.
Additional or medical needs
A disability, learning difference, medical condition or communication need does not by itself prevent a child from receiving the Sacraments.
Please speak with the parish early if your child has:
- a disability or learning difference;
- sensory or communication needs;
- difficulty reading or remembering;
- coeliac disease;
- difficulty swallowing;
- anxiety about unfamiliar places or ceremonies;
- or another medical or practical need.
Preparation can be adapted to the child’s capacity while preserving the meaning and reverence of the Sacraments.
PARISH SAFEGUARDING INFORMATION
What if our circumstances are complicated?
Please speak with the parish priest early if:
- you are unsure whether your child has been baptised;
- your child was baptised in another Christian community;
- your child was baptised or chrismated in an Eastern Christian Church;
- there is uncertainty about parental consent;
- your family has been away from Sunday Mass;
- you are unsure about choosing a godparent;
- your child has additional needs;
- or another family, sacramental or pastoral concern is present.
Please do not stay away because you think your circumstances will make you unwelcome.
An honest conversation helps us understand the child’s situation and provide the correct pathway.
Ready to begin?
If your child is aged seven or over, has not been baptised and would like to begin preparing for Christian initiation, please contact the parish.
You do not need to have everything arranged before getting in touch.
The first step is simply a conversation.
Baptism may take place at St Mary’s, St John Bosco or St Edward’s.
Contact: Fr John Owens
Email: john.owens@dioceseofnottingham.uk
Baptism gives new life in Christ.
Confirmation strengthens the child with the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Eucharist nourishes that life.
The Church accompanies the child as that life grows.
