KEY INFORMATION

Fr Joseph answers a few FAQs………

WHEN & WHERE?

Sundays during term time (dates below). We attend the 9am Mass, either at St Osmund’s or St Gregory’s, then after Mass we go straight to the Parish Centre (131 Exeter Street). Each session will begin at 10.30am, and last for 1 hour. On these Sundays, please do not go into the church hall after Mass, so that we can begin on time—refreshments will be served at the Session!

WHAT HAPPENS?

After Mass, we gather and have refreshments. The parents sit together in one side of the hall, and the children have their own activities on the other side. 

The aim for the children is to enjoy their time, learning about the faith, making friends, and learning to pray. 

The aim for the parents is to support each other in raising their children in the Faith, especially preparing them for their First Communion, and generally making their household into a “family of faith”. 

CAN I LEAVE MY CHILD THERE?

No. It is essential that at least one parent stay for the whole session. This is for both Safeguarding and Spiritual reasons! All our volunteers are DBS checked and Safeguarding trained, however the parent (or designated adult) remains totally responsible for their safety and wellbeing throughout the session.

WHY DO PARENTS HAVE TO STAY?

Family of Faith is, fundamentally, as much about supporting parents as it is about preparing the children. Parents are the first and most important teachers of their children. It is their job to teach their children to pray, and love God, and learn their Bible stories, and understand their faith. The church, through priests and catechists, can provide support and encouragement in this vocation, which is what these sessions are designed to do. It is parents who prepare their children for First Communion, trained through these sessions. For the children, it is an opportunity to come together with their friends, and have fun in a faith environment—but most of their preparation will happen within the family, and by coming to Mass each Sunday. 

Of course we understand that parents can be pulled in a million directions with work, and other family commitments. So if it would simply be impossible for you to commit to all of these dates, then please do get in touch to discuss options. 

WHO CAN I CONTACT?

For all enquiries please contact our dedicated email address: [email protected]

Alternatively, phone the Parish Office or contact a priest directly.

 MORE INFORMATION

Fr Joseph answers a few FAQs…

What is the age range for Family of Faith?

In our diocese, we generally invite children to prepare for First Communion when they are in Year 3, but older children are welcome if they haven’t yet made their Communion. 

I’ve already been through Family of Faith for one year, and/or other FHC programmes before that. Do I have to come again??

We hope you will want to :) The more we learn about our Faith, and come to know the Lord Jesus more deeply, the more we realise how much there still is to discover! We will vary the sessions each year, so it won’t feel repetitive. And if you are truly a “veteran”, then we really need your help in leading the sessions and discussions—so please join us on the team!

Have any further questions about Family of Faith, or First Communion?

Great—please let me know. Email me at: [email protected]