Sacraments Working Party

Archdiocese of Liverpool

Restoring the Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Dear Father,

The Archbishop has approved for publication the enclosed Progress Report which sets out the process of consultation, formation and implementation for our new approach to family catechesis and the sacraments of initiation.

You’ll see that this will include Pastoral Area clergy meetings in October and an open meeting for priests in November. Further details of these will be sent to you after the summer break.

I’m delighted to say that the report also includes the news that we have appointed Mrs. Eleanor Lalley as Co-ordinator of this process for the next three years and we are looking forward to her beginning work in September.

With every good wish and prayer,

Yours sincerely,

Fr. Chris Fallon (Facilitator of the Working Party)

27^th July 2010

Archdiocese of Liverpool

Restoring the Order of the Sacraments of Initiation

Progress Report July 2010

Timetable for introduction of the new process for Family Catechesis and the Sacraments of Initiation

The Archbishop’s Decision

At the end of 2008 the Archbishop, with the encouragement of the Council of Priests, took the decision to restore the order of the sacraments of initiation and to introduce a family catechesis approach, supported by parishes and schools. Since then the Sacraments Working Party has been considering the best ways to bring about this change and has now prepared a process of consultation, formation and implementation.

Consultation and Formation

For the priests, this will include a meeting of the Pastoral Area Leaders on 22^nd September 2010, Pastoral Area clergy meetings during October and a meeting of all the priests on 3^rd November 2010.

Further presentations will be made to headteachers at their regular briefing meetings in Local Authority areas during the autumn term.

On Saturday October 2^nd, Bill Huebsch, author of Dreams and Visions: Pastoral Planning for Lifelong Faith Formation, will lead a day at LACE open to anyone involved in sacramental catechesis.

There will be an Archdiocesan Assembly on Saturday November 20^th devoted to this issue: a DVD is being produced which will be available after the Assembly for use in parish and Pastoral Area meetings. After the Assembly a decision will be made about the normal age at which children will receive Confirmation and Eucharist: the current proposal is those aged 7 or above on 1^st September of each year will be confirmed at the following Pentecost and receive the Eucharist for the first time at Corpus Christi.

In the early Spring of 2011 there will be Consultation Conversations in eight regions of the diocese with parents, teachers, catechists and priests, as part of Bishops’ Conference initiative, Passing on the Faith. Members of the Working Party will take part in these conversations and be willing to attend Pastoral Area meetings if invited.

A Launch and Formation Week for the process of family catechesis, including sessions for parents, priests, teachers, catechists and parish communities will take place 11^th-19^th June 2011.

Implementation

From September 2011 onwards the process of Family Catechesis will begin for all families who will be celebrating any of the Sacraments of Initiation during the coming year. Parishes will be encouraged to highlight the importance of Baptism and the role of parents by celebrating Baptism with as many families as is practical at the Easter Vigil and on Easter Sunday and by continuing the celebration of Baptisms throughout the Easter Season.

On Pentecost Sunday, 27^th May 2012, all children and young people over the agreed age are to be confirmed at a Liturgy of the Word in every parish. If the numbers are too great for a single celebration in a given parish church, parishes may arrange further celebrations between Pentecost Sunday and Corpus Christi, or consider using a larger venue.

On Sunday 10^th June 2012, the Feast of Corpus Christi, all those who have been confirmed but not yet received the Eucharist will do so wherever they go to Mass that day to celebrate the feast.

The Feast of SS Peter and Paul, 29^th June 2012, is suggested as an opportunity for schools to celebrate with children who have completed their initiation.

Appointment of Sacraments of Initiation Project Co-ordinator

The Archdiocese has appointed Mrs Eleanor Lalley to begin work in early September as Co-ordinator for this project. Eleanor, a parent and catechist who has taught in schools and adult settings both in this country and in the United States, will work within the Vicariate of Formation for the next three years, preparing, implementing and evaluating the new approach to family catechesis and the sacraments of initiation.