SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION & SCHOOL-AGE CATECHESIS
CATECHESIS FOR CHILDREN
Since there is no Catholic school (either primary or secondary) in the immediate area of Diss, we organise and offer catechism classes on every Sunday morning during school term times. We are fortunate to have some experienced teachers and catechists who take these classes, which are, of necessity ’vertically grouped’, i.e. they contain more than one age/year group. For details of how to enrol your child for these classes, please speak to Fr. Simon or to Anne Steel. Once you have enrolled it is very important that your child attends as regularly as possible so that there can be continuity and consistency as is expected in any educational setting. For any queries relating to the Classes please speak to Anne Steel on 651903.

BAPTISM PREPARATION
In line with Diocesan Policy, we run a formal preparation scheme for baptism. This involves the use of the ‘Café’ preparation programme and runs over two evenings usually run in the family’s own home. For this reason it is very important to notify the parish priest of an impending baptism so that arrangements can be made in good time that, if possible, might also include the godparents.
First Confession and Holy Communion This preparation runs in with the Sunday morning classes and at the moment there is no way of providing any alternative arrangements. In line with Diocesan Policy our children make their first Holy Communion when they are in school Year Three, i.e. eight years old (or very nearly so…). Please speak to Fr. Simon if you have any questions about putting your child forward to be prepared for these important sacraments.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION
Due to the small numbers involved, the Sacrament of Confirmation is only celebrated every two years in this parish. Again, in line with Diocesan Policy, this is open for all those in school year Ten and above (although individuals in year Nine would be considered on a case by case basis...). The preparation scheme is run by Fr. Simon and a catechist and is individually adjusted to the needs of the candidates. When a scheme is starting this will be well advertised in the parish bulletin and prospective candidates sought. Please note that it is never too late to be confirmed, so if you missed out as a teenager you could still be confirmed as an adult. Please speak to Fr. Simon about the opportunities that exist....

CHILD PROTECTION
In line with National and Diocesan Policy we have an appointed person who is responsible for the implementation of policies and safe practice with regard to all aspects of our parish work with our children, young people and vulnerable adults. This person is Liz Ball who works in conjunction with the parish priest and the diocesan child protection team to safeguard our children from any potential harm. It is a regrettable thing that such vigilance is needed, but recent experience has shown that those with a proclivity to abuse young people are attracted to churches and voluntary organisations where the work of volunteers is so necessary and in days gone by very few questions were asked. Those days have long since gone and the Church has a special duty to care for the ‘little ones’ after the example and teaching of her Lord.