Some of the most meaningful volunteering in our parish happens in the quiet, patient work of preparing people to receive the sacraments. Walking alongside a child as they prepare for their First Holy Communion, supporting a young person on their Confirmation journey, or accompanying an adult as they explore the Catholic faith — these are profound acts of service that leave a lasting impression on everyone involved.
You do not need to be a theologian. You need warmth, reliability and a genuine desire to share your faith. Everything else we can teach you.
First Holy Communion
Each year, our First Holy Communion programme relies on a team of dedicated volunteer catechists to prepare children and their families for this beautiful sacrament. Sessions are warm, welcoming and well-structured — and full training is provided before you begin.
The programme runs from October through to May. If you would like to be part of the team for the next intake, please get in touch with the parish office in the autumn.
Confirmation
Our Confirmation programme prepares young people in Year 10 and above to receive the sacrament of Confirmation. Volunteers support candidates through their preparation journey — helping them to explore what their faith means to them and what it means to make a conscious, personal commitment to God.
Classes run from January through to Eastertide. If you would like to find out more about volunteering with the Confirmation programme, please contact the parish office.
RCIA — Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults
The RCIA programme welcomes adults who are exploring the Catholic faith or seeking to complete their sacramental journey. Volunteers play a vital role in this process — as sponsors accompanying candidates on their journey, as speakers sharing their own experience of faith, or simply as welcoming and supportive members of the parish community.
Weekly sessions take place on Thursday evenings in the Parish Hall at Oldham Terrace. If you feel called to support this ministry, please contact the parish office.
Why volunteer in sacramental preparation?
Many of our most dedicated volunteers say that preparing others for the sacraments has deepened their own faith in ways they did not expect. There is something quietly transformative about revisiting the foundations of your faith and seeing them through fresh eyes.
If you are curious but not yet sure, come and have a conversation with us — there is no pressure and no commitment required at that stage.
Get in touch
To find out more about any of our sacramental preparation programmes, please contact the parish office at acton@rcdow.org.uk or call 020 8992 2014.
“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” — Matthew 28:19