We are passionate about the Church being a shining beacon in communities. We believe every child, young person and family should have access to a vibrant, welcoming and worshipful church in their locality.
Children are welcomed by Jesus. Indeed Jesus said we need to be like children to enter the Kingdom of God. We encourage and support parishes to welcome children. Children help us to grow in faith, ask good questions and understand the good news of Jesus afresh. Ensuring children have a voice that is heard helps churches to be healthy, vibrant communities.
Parish Support
We offer training activities with parish-specific, bespoke training offered if requested and possible. We try to open these to nearby parishes if possible to make the most effective use of our time. Please contact us (contact details below) to find out if we can help you with your training needs.
Admission of Children to Holy Communion
Arrangements for the Admission of Children to Holy Communion before Confirmation were revised at Diocesan Synod in March this year.. A new information pack has been published, which provides full details of the new arrangments, including background information.
Children and young people are a central part of our church life. One way in which parishes can include and nurture children in the faith is by admitting them to Holy Communion before confirmation. For over twenty years, it has been possible for parishes to do this.
The arrangements in the Diocese of Chester were revised in 2023 and the new information pack for parishes is now available on the website below:
Download: Admission of Children to Holy Communion before Confirmation - Information Pack
The information pack includes samples of the forms parishes need to seek the necessary permission from the bishop. Please do not use the sample forms included in the document itself, but use the ones below, which allow for the fields to be type-written.
Download: Admission of Children to Holy Communion - Parish Application Form
Download: Ceasing to Admit Children to Holy Communion - Parish Application Form
If a parish has already been admitting children to Holy Communion prior to the new arrangements, we are still asking that they complete and submit the new form so that we have a clear record.
The Growing Faith team in the diocese is available to visit deanery chapters over the next few months to explain the arrangements: Peter Froggatt, the Director of Outreach says; ‘These revised arrangements and the resources that come with them have been carefully considered. We believe that they will be a great help to parishes wanting to explore ways of including children in all of the church’s worship, and members of the team will be delighted to come and discuss them.’
The Growing Faith team are also planning some online workshops in the New Year, aimed at clergy, PCCs, and youth and children’s workers. More details of these sessions will be advertised in due course.
For more information contact:
Director of Outreach: Revd Peter Froggatt
T: 01928 718834 EXT: 263 M: 07590 396782
E: peter.froggatt@chester.anglican.org
The Journey
Where will The Journey take you?
We offer events to children, families and young people to take part in - all part of 'The Journey' of faith and life. From outdoor adventure days, to times of quiet reflection, times to gather for worship and times to have family fun, the Diocese aims to give children, families and young people the opportunity to share wonderful memories together with others from across the Diocese of Chester. Sign up to the ebulletin to make sure you don't miss out on the next event!