Baptism |
Before a child can be baptised parents must have attended the baptism preparation course. The date of Baptism is subject to availability and is normally discussed and agreed during the Baptism Preparation Session.
A Rite of Welcome at 9.15am Mass will take place the last Sunday of the month before the baptism date, for the parents and godparents to attend. Please note that up to two children can be baptised at each Baptism celebration. |
First Holy Communion |
First Holy Communion
St Erconwald’s First Holy Communion Programme 2026/27 Our First Holy Communion sessions will run from January to May 27 with cohorts on Friday 5-6pm and Saturday late afternoon/early evening (time tbc). Parents are expected to help support the sessions where needed to ensure the sessions run smoothly. We also invite you (as adults) to join the Sycamore programme (include link) that is running this autumn to help you be ready to support your child and answer any questions they may have about your own faith. During your child's course they will also take their first Reconciliation (which some of you might have known as confession). We would strongly encourage you to come to reconciliation yourself over the next few months so that you can help them know what to expect. It may have been a while, but being able to talk them through it will help them feel more confident. At St Erconwald's this is offered Saturdays from 10am after 9.30 Mass and 6.30-7.30pm on Tuesdays. Key dates Enrolment Mass - Sunday 10th January Rehearsal - Friday 14th May at 4.30pm and 5.30pm First Holy Communion Services - Saturday 15th May at 11.30am and 1.30pm (and possibly Sunday 16th May) More detailed information will be provided later this autumn when we know how many children are wanting to make the sacrament at St Erconwald's this academic year. If you are the parent/guardian of a child in our community that is in at least year 3 please complete this form - https://sterconwalds.churchsuite.com/-/forms/6xvyqhf2. Please also ensure that they (and you!) are registered at our church https://www.sterconwalds.org.uk/parish-registration.html |
Confirmation |
Teenage Confirmation
St Erconwald's Confirmation programme 2026/27 Do you have a young Catholic at home who would like to explore their faith with other people their age? In the Autumn, a new group will start meeting to prepare for the sacrament of Confirmation. The group is aimed at young people in Year 10 or above. Please register here Confirmation programme registration 2026. Deadline to register is Sunday 11 October. You will need to register as a member of the parish first, if you are not already registered. 
Adult Confirmation
Are you an adult who, for one reason or another, has not yet been confirmed? Would you like to join a group of adults preparing for the Sacrament? If so, please Contact us. |
Useful Links
| ||
Marriage |
Six months' notice is required before a wedding can take place. This time is required for the couple to have meetings with Fr Ruslan, for the necessary paperwork to be organised and for marriage preparation to be attended. Couples should contact the parish office initially to make an appointment to see Fr Ruslan and a provisional date for the wedding can be made at that time. The Bishop of Arundel and Brighton recommends the process of preparation should begin a year in advance of the date chosen for the wedding.
St Erconwald's does not offer the Marriage Preparation Programme, as we work jointly with neighbouring parishes. Please contact the parish office for the closest location preparing couples for their marriage. Marriage Preparation Requirements While many engaged couples may naturally focus on the practicalities of preparing for the wedding day, the Church encourages them to spend their engagement preparing for a strong, lifelong marriage together with a view to taking the time to truly reflect on their call to the married vocation together with the responsibilities and challenges that come with this. |
Useful Links
| ||
Anointing of the Sick |
If a relative is unwell at home, the family can contact the parish office, or to request a visit from Fr Ruslan to administer the Sacrament of the Sick.
If the Sacrament is required in an emergency for someone in hospital, one of the hospital staff will contact the priest who is on the hospital emergency rota. For our parish, Liz Lee is part of the chaplaincy service at Ashford and St Peter's. If a relative is added to our sick list in the newsletter, please let us know if their conditions change so that we can update accordingly. |