Baptism is the first step on our journey of Christian discipleship.

Through baptismal water, we are washed clean of the stain of original sin and reborn as sons and daughters of God, as pure as the white that is worn during the baptismal rite. With the light of our baptismal candle, we are called to live by and share the light of Christ in our world today by being living reminders of the hope He brings to all.

Beginning the Journey to Baptism

Although traditionally associated with infants, Baptism is a sacrament open to all people of any age. Those seeking Baptism are asked to enter into the Sacrament with loving and sincere commitment to follow teachings of Christ, as set out in a series of baptismal promises. For babies and younger children, these promises are made by the parents and godparents, whilst older children and adults are required to make these promises themselves.

For more information on beginning the Baptism process, please contact your local parish. Need to find a church? Use our Online Directory to find a parish near you.

Receiving the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the most solemn aspect of our daily faith lives; inviting us to enter into personal encounter and union with Christ Himself through the physical and spiritual presence of Jesus in the bread and wine.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “The Eucharist is the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, present under the appearance of bread and wine, for our spiritual nourishment and communion with Christ and the Church.” (CCC1413).

As such, whenever we receive Holy Communion, we affirm our belief that Jesus spoke truly and literally when he told his disciples: “This is my body” and “This is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22:19-20). By eating of His body and drinking of His blood, we believe that we are united to Him – and the whole Church – as “members of one body” (Romans 12:5): the risen Christ.

Receiving Holy Communion

Holy Communion can be received by Catholics around the world on a daily basis, as the central and most solemn part of the Holy Mass.

A special preparation programme is undertaken by people wishing to make their First Holy Communion. For children, this typically takes place around the age of seven years old, as part of a sacramental programme delivered by their parish or school, with added support at home.

For adults, this usually takes place around the time of their reception into the Church.

Taking the first steps

If you are looking to make your First Holy Communion, or are enquiring on behalf of your child, speaking with your parish priest is the first step to take.

If your child goes to a Catholic school, you can also contact your child’s school to enquire about their Sacramental Programme and how they prepare their pupils to receive this important sacrament.

Resources

Is your child preparing for their first confession or first Holy Communion? The Heart Speaks to Heart book (produced by the Diocese of Leeds) is a fantastic resource helping families, schools, and parishes work together to guide young people on these important first steps of faith.

Printed copies of the workbook are available by contacting our Department for Formation and can be delivered or collected from Cathedral Centre.  formation@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

If you are a catechist looking for further resources, please click here. 

The Sacrament of Confirmation seals the graces we receive during our Baptism with the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit, strengthening and nourishing us as we enter into a new phase of our Christian life.

This Sacrament is the final step in the three Sacraments of Initiation, embedding the faithful into a full, engaged life in the Church.

Usually, the Sacrament of Confirmation is received during a person’s early teenage years, as part of a Sacramental Programme delivered through the parish or the school.

As an adult, this is usually received during reception into the Church.

Taking the first steps

If you are an adult and would like to learn more about getting confirmed, or are enquiring on behalf of your child, speaking with your parish priest is the first step to take.

If your child goes to a Catholic school, you can also contact your child’s school to enquire about their Sacramental Programme for confirmation.

Post-Confirmation

We are delighted to share details of a programme that has been developed to bridge the gap between confirmation and adult formation. A Call to Lead aims to provide the tools, training, and teaching to engage the next generation of missionary disciples, to inspire a deepened sense of active faith, and to give young people the agency to use their gifts and talents for the good of all.

Click here to find out more.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) is a wonderful way of welcoming adults into full communion with the Catholic Church.

It is available to people at any stage of their faith journey, whether you are coming to the Church from no faith at all, or you have begun the process with Baptism or First Holy Communion and are now looking to complete that journey, or perhaps you are coming from a different faith altogether.

The RCIA journey provides support from a dedicated pastoral programme before offering the graces of all three Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, First Holy Communion, and Confirmation – usually received during a light-filled, joyful celebration at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Taking the first steps

Congratulations on beginning this exciting new journey of faith! Before beginning your journey, it is important to speak with your local parish priest to find out a little more about RCIA or becoming a Catholic, and how your parish can support you on that journey. Your priest will then be able to guide you on your next steps.

Need to find a church? Please see our Online Directory to find a Catholic parish near you.

Resources

Are you beginning your journey to becoming a Catholic? Our RCIA Booklet is the ideal companion to accompany you through your programme of preparation.

Click here to read now.