Faith Formation
Children's Catechesis
Helping the next generation fall in love with God — through story, prayer, sacrament, and joyful community.
Safeguarding: All catechists are DBS-checked and hold current diocesan safeguarding training. The welfare of every child is our highest priority. Read our Safeguarding Policy
Our Approach
Faith Formation at Madonna Ministry
We believe that the faith is best received not simply as information to be memorised, but as a living relationship with the God who loves each child personally. Our catechesis is rooted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and in the rich tradition of the Church, while remaining accessible, engaging, and joyful.
Parents are the primary educators of their children in the faith — our catechists see their role as supporting and strengthening what happens at home and at the Sunday Mass. We warmly welcome questions and partnership from parents throughout each programme.
Scripture-based
Every session rooted in the Word of God
Community-centred
Learning together in a warm, safe group
Fully safeguarded
DBS-checked, trained catechists
Sacrament-focused
Preparing children for Communion & Confirmation
Programmes
By Age Group
The right programme for every child, from toddlers to teenagers.
Little Lights
A gentle, sensory introduction to the faith for our youngest children. Stories, songs, craft, and prayer — all child-led and playful.
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Following the same Sunday Gospel as the adult congregation, presented through storytelling, activity, and age-appropriate reflection.
First Holy Communion
A two-year sacramental preparation programme preparing children to receive the Eucharist and Reconciliation for the first time. Parents are integral partners in this journey.
Confirmation Preparation
A rich, two-year journey towards the Sacrament of Confirmation — exploring the faith deeply, engaging with prayer, service, and retreat days.
Academic Year 2025–2026
Programme Term Dates
Provisional dates for the current and forthcoming academic year.
| Programme | Autumn Term 2025 | Spring Term 2026 | Summer Term 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Children's Liturgy | 8 Sep – 19 Dec 2026 | 6 Jan – 26 Mar 2027 | 20 Apr – 18 Jul 2027 |
| First Holy Communion (Year 1) | Not applicable | 17 Jan – 27 Jun 2026 | Not applicable |
| First Holy Communion (Year 2) | 6 Sep – 11 Dec 2025 | 10 Jan – 20 Jun 2026 | Not applicable |
| Confirmation (Year 1) | 12 Oct – 12 Dec 2025 | 8 Feb – 22 May 2026 | Retreat day: June 2026 |
All dates are provisional and subject to change. Please refer to the weekly bulletin for the most up-to-date information.
How to Join
Register Your Child
To enrol your child in any of our programmes, please contact the parish office.
Contact the Parish Office
Email catechesis@madonnaministry.org.uk or call during office hours (Mon–Fri, 9:30 am – 12:30 pm).
Complete a Registration Form
We will send you a registration form for your child. For sacramental programmes, we may also ask for your child's baptismal certificate.
Attend the Welcome Session
For sacramental programmes, there is an initial meeting for parents and children to meet the catechetical team and understand the programme.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
My child has never been to catechesis before. Are they welcome?
Absolutely. Children can join at any point in their primary school years, and we will ensure they are placed in the right group. We warmly welcome children who are new to the faith as well as those who have been attending Mass since birth.
Do parents need to attend too?
For the First Holy Communion and Confirmation programmes, parental attendance at several key meetings is strongly encouraged and is part of the programme's design. For Children's Liturgy, parents drop off and collect their children — no adult attendance during the session is required.
My child has additional learning needs. Can they still participate?
Yes — we are committed to making our catechesis fully inclusive. Please speak with the catechetical team before your child's first session so we can put appropriate support in place. All our catechists are trained to be attentive to the needs of every child.
When do applications open for First Holy Communion?
Applications for the First Holy Communion programme open in October each year for the following January intake. Places are limited and we allocate on a first-come, first-served basis for registered parishioners.
Is there a fee for the programme?
The programmes are offered without a set fee. A voluntary contribution is welcomed to cover the cost of materials and resources. No child is ever turned away for financial reasons — please speak confidentially with the parish office if cost is a concern.
Ready to Enrol?
Get in touch with the catechetical team today. We would be delighted to welcome your child into our faith formation programme.