Children and Communion

As a church, we are committed to our conviction that ‘No-one belongs here more than you’.

In response to comments from parents and the personal convictions of the leadership team, the PCC have been discussing ways in which our younger children can experience a deeper sense of belonging within our services.

Following the example of many other churches, locally and worldwide, I’m delighted to say that we have taken the decision to admit children to Communion before Confirmation. With the blessing of parents, and with prior preparation, this invitation is open to all baptised children who can articulate something of their faith. Their decision will be marked within a service and a celebration certificate issued.

This is a departure from our usual pattern of Communion following Confirmation, so I imagine some of you will have some questions. Below is some helpful guidance issued by the Manchester Diocese. I will also be happy to respond to any questions or concerns you might have.

One important characteristic of childhood is the need to belong. Partaking in Holy Communion is a powerful indication of belonging – to God, and to one another in the Church. Much is made of what children may or may not understand about the sacrament, but they will certainly understand the rejection implied in being denied food at the Lord’s Table. There is convincing evidence that including children in this special meal helps children make deeper connections with the church community.

Child psychologists and experts in children’s spiritual development point to the importance of children taking part in practical activities – learning by doing – and of their natural facility for engaging with symbol and mystery. Full participation in Communion could be seen as cherishing and making best use of the very characteristics of childhood.

One of the most marked characteristics of teens is to question and reject institutions, whilst a characteristic of those in their late 20s is to ‘revisit’ and engage with them. Thus, to require Confirmation of teenagers runs counter to their developmental needs whilst ‘using up’ a rite which they might value deeply as a public demonstration of their return to the faith at a later stage in their lives.

Some questions people ask

Will the children understand what they are doing when they take Communion?
Children are certainly able to understand the origin and specialness of sharing the bread and wine. A deeper understanding of the mystery of the sacrament is a lifetime’s work for all of us, and one that will never be complete, however old we are. The important point to consider is whether we ought to view taking Communion as a ‘prize’ which we win by passing tests, or whether we should see it as a free, gracious and unconditional gift from God.

Will they take it seriously?
Children respond to the mood and atmosphere around them. The vast majority of children will take their lead from the way the adult members of the congregation behave as they receive the bread and wine. Receiving Communion is a very powerful moment, and the power is certainly not lost on children – in fact, they have an openness to the Holy which many adults find it hard to recapture.

What about Confirmation?
Confirmation has traditionally been given two meanings: as a ‘gateway’ to receiving Communion; and as an act of adult commitment to the faith. For those confirmed at 11, 12 or 13, the second of these meanings has rarely worked. After all, there are no other ‘adult’ responsibilities, such as voting, driving, getting married, which can be taken up at such an early age. But if it is no longer linked to receiving Communion, Confirmation can take place much later, at a time which is far more appropriate for an adult act of commitment.

What about children who are not baptised?
No one who is not baptised can be admitted to receive Holy Communion. If an unbaptised child wishes to be prepared for admission then they must be baptised before they are admitted. Their baptism could form part of the preparation programme. However, it is important to consult fully with the family beforehand to make sure that they are willing for the baptism to take place.

When will the preparation session happen?
The preparation sessions took place in Sept/Oct. We offered the same 40-minute session for children (and parents, if they wished to attend): one at St Andrew’s and one at St Mary’s. To find out more, please contact Alan.

Rev. Alan Stewart
(8 September 2022)
h.alanstewart1@gmail.com