What opportunities or programmes are there to help children and adults in the parish grow in their faith?

Parishes usually have programmes for children as they prepare to make their First Reconciliation and Holy Communion (aged 7/8 upwards or be Confirmed (from 13/14 upwards).  These include opportunities for the child or teenager to learn, experience and discuss what the Church teaches in engaging, age-appropriate ways with peers and catechists (adults who help others develop their faith).

‍

In addition, parishes often have opportunities for adults who wish to marry or have their infant child baptised to learn, discuss and reflect upon their faith. Parishes often have a group for adults who wish to grow in their faith and, (if they are not already), to be baptised, confirmed and/or to receive the Eucharist for the first time. These groups might be called something like “Journey in Faith” or “Being a Catholic” and are often linked to the “RCIA” (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults);

‍

Also, parishes often organise events or programmes to help those who want to develop their faith. These might be one-off or a series of talks, films, pilgrimages, trips, retreats, prayer or bible study groups etc. These often take place in the weeks before Christmas (Advent) and/or before Easter (Lent). 

‍

There are also resources such as Celebrate that families can use at home to develop their faith together in ways which are meaningful and suitable for different ages.