Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page. We have gathered several of the questions that we get asked most often and have answered them below. If you do not find an answer to your question, please contact us at sacramentalcermonies@gkpastoralarea.ie
I would like for my child to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion or Confirmation, what do I need to do?
To celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation please register your child with the Pastoral Area of Greystones and Kilquade. Please click on the Sacraments Go To page to find out more information and get the registration link.
If your child does not attend one of the local schools in the Greystones and Kilquade parishes and also lives outside of the Parishes of Greystones or Kilquade please contact us at sacramentalcermonies@gkpastoralarea.ie before proceeding.
My child is attending a school where there is no preparation for First Holy Communion or Confirmation, what should I do?
The Pastoral Area of Greystones and Kilquade organises a Parish Religious Education Programme (PREP programme) for Catholic families attending schools where there is no school preparation programme.
If your child attends one of the following schools, Delgany National School, Greystones Community National School, Greystones Educate Together National School, St. Francis’ National School, St. Patrick’s National School, Woodstock Educate Together National School, or another school that does not have a preparation programme please click here to learn more about this specific programme for you.
My child is in secondary school and wishes to celebrate First Holy Communion and or Confirmation, what do I do?
We are delighted to support you and your family to prepare for your child’s Confirmation. Please contact us at sacramentalcermonies@gkpastoralarea.ie with the relevant details and we will contact you to discuss next steps.
My child wishes to celebrate Confirmation in 2027 but did not celebrate First Holy Communion, should we register for Confirmation and when can we celebrate First Holy Communion?
Yes, please register for Confirmation and we will be in touch with details about the next steps to prepare for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
When will we know the dates for the celebration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation celebrations?
The only information that we can confirm at the moment is that First Holy Communion and Confirmation in 2027 will be celebrated from mid-late April into late May.
Confirmation will be celebrated on a Saturday; First Holy Communion will be celebrated on a Sunday.
As we need input from both the local Catholic schools and the registration process, exact dates for First Holy Communion and Confirmation dates will be available at the start of December.
Please bear with us during this time as we have between 700-750 families celebrating the sacraments each year and it requires some time to plan.
What are the dates for the Confirmation Service of Light?
Confirmation Service of Light services will be held on a weekday evening during the month of January. The exact dates by school for the Services of Light will be confirmed in December and you will be notified by email.
What are the dates for the First Holy Communion and Confirmation Reconciliation services?
Reconciliation services for First Holy Communion children and Confirmation will taken place during a weekday evening in Lent. The exact dates by school for the Reconciliation Services will be confirmed in December and you will be notified by email.
My child is coeliac can they receive a gluten free host?
Please let us know on the registration form or email us directly and we will be in contact with you about this.
My child has additional needs/ sensory issues, is there additional support from the Pastoral team to help us?
We are here to support you and your child as they celebrate this important milestone in their faith life. Please make a note on the registration form regarding their additional needs or contact us via email. We will get in touch with you and work together to find the best way to support your child.
My child has not been baptised in the Catholic faith yet, but I would like them to celebrate First Holy Communion or Confirmation, is this possible?
If someone wishes to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion or Confirmation they are required to be baptised in the Catholic faith. Please contact us and we will be in touch with you about attending a Baptism preparation programme with your child and celebrating their Baptism.
