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Minster

Admission of Children to Holy Communion

This page will soon be revised in line with the recently approved new regulations (www.cofe.anglican.org/about/gensynod/agendas/gs1596a.rtf).

Getting ready

Parishes should follow the Guidelines agreed by the House of Bishops, and the diocesan checklist which is available here both as a Word.doc and .pdf file

Children &
communion - history lesson
from Durham

This is an important occasion, and should be set in a context of celebration. There is no fixed model, and different churches are free to develop their own approach.

Suggestions:

• Hold a special service specifically for the children and their families
• Make the Admission a key part of an all-age service
• Hold the Admission at a special time of year (e.g. Easter)
• Involve the children concerned - choosing songs/hymns, speaking, reading, etc.
• Use visuals and other attractive and suitable aids to worship
• Produce your own liturgy for the occasion, or use the examples given below
• Give the children a gift to mark the occasion (e.g. suitable Bible)
• Baptism candles can be used to provide the link between baptism and admission
• Encourage the children to choose mature Christians as sponsors

Three sample liturgies to consider: in a Word .doc and in a .pdf file