For each parish ministry as appropriate *, this is achieved by:

A. Providing for the initial training of parish catechists, and for their ongoing support and formation

• by organising training courses
• by responding to requests from local areas
• by encouraging the use of the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies

B. Developing effective networks of catechists between parishes and within deaneries

C. Sourcing and sharing good materials and best practice

D. Promoting co-operation between home school and parish

E. Benefiting from participation in the work of regional and national bodies

(* For the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist and Reconciliation, for Confirmation, and for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Children’s Catechumenate)

Infant Baptism

The celebration of the sacrament of Baptism is a foundational event in the life of any child, of their family and friends, and of the local parish community. As the first sacrament of initiation, Baptism is the ‘basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit, and the door which gives access to the other sacraments.’ (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1213)
Under the leadership and guidance of the Parish Priest, each parish community must ensure that:

· Baptism is properly celebrated according to the Church’s tradition and teaching.

· There is sufficient catechesis and preparation for those involved.

· Practical and spiritual support is given to families afterwards.

To help and support parishes in this work a new Baptism Policy and Resource Pack has been produced and can be downloaded.

Resource Pack | Prayers and Liturgies for the Home

First Sacraments

It is the policy of the Diocese of Leeds that preparation for First Sacraments takes place in the parish community in partnership with the children’s families and with the support of the primary school. All three of these faith communities of family, parish and school, are deeply significant in a child’s preparation for Holy Communion. Co-operation between these three will offer the best possible opportunity for the child’s growth in faith.

In order to help and support this home/school/parish partnership a diocesan working party has been established to develop the guidelines for First Sacraments and to compile a resource pack to complement the many excellent resources already available.

Preparation and Catechesis for the First Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation

During 2005 a questionnaire has been sent to all parishes and primary schools regarding the preparation and catechesis of children for the First Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. Information has been gathered about the programmes and resources used and about the catechetical and educational roles of the home, school and parish. This information will be used by the CARES team in order to disseminate good ideas and best practice and to develop additional resources to support the programmes already used. The formational and educational needs of catechists and parents will also be addressed.
The questionnaire was sent to three groups: parish priests, catechists and primary schools. The responses from all three groups have been collated and are available below.

Download First Sacraments Questionnaire Response from Parish Priests

Download First Sacraments Questionnaire Response from Catechists

Download First Sacraments Questionnaire Response from Schools

Programmes & Resources to Help Parents and Catechists Prepare Children for First Sacraments

The information from the questionnaires has been used to give an overview of the programmes and resources used by parishes, parents and schools when preparing children for First Sacraments.  This information can be found in the download below along with other available resources for both children and parents.

Download: Programmes & Resources to Help Parents and Catechists Prepare Children for First Sacraments

Confirmation

Confirmation is the third of the sacraments of initiation. In this diocese confirmation will not normally be administered to candidates below the age of 13. Preparation for this sacrament takes place within the parish community with the support of families and the local schools. Preparation for confirmation should aim at leading the young Christian towards a more intimate union with Christ. The sacrament itself strengthens and confirms what happens in baptism – completing the grace of baptism - and it further initiates the individual journey of faith empowering the young people to go and proclaim the good news.

There is much current debate in the Church about Confirmation and as part of this discussion a working party will be convened to discuss policy/guidelines and to review resources. In the meantime the resources listed below are useful and popular.

Recommended Resources

• Preparing to be Confirmed, Diana Klein, 08559-7643-8
• Welcome the Spirit, Mary Bernard Potter & Nigel Bavidge, 08264-7233-8
• Power through His Spirit, Kathy Hunnybun, 1-898366-52-7
• Getting Confirmed, Redemptorist Publications, 0 85231 153 2
• NEW from the Catholic Evangelisation Services: plugged in – Youth CAFÉ a new video resource for Confirmation, youth groups and schools: www.youthcafe.org