Sacraments of Initiation (First Communion and Confirmation) 2026
Dear Friends
As the summer ends and we look to the events of the coming year, I hope and pray that it will be safe and joyful for all the children of the parish. For those who may be hoping to receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and Confirmation, I look forward to journeying with you to those blessed and joyful days.
This year Bishop Nulty will visit the Parish to celebrate Confirmation. While his commitment to this is confirmed, we do not have the finalized dates for Confirmation for the Bishop’s Diary. Normally all these dates are published towards the end of September or in early October. We will communicate the date as soon as it is finalized with the Bishop’s Office.
The celebration of First Holy Communion will take place in early to mid-May, dates and details attached Eucharist – First Holy Communion – Balyna Parish
Sacramental Preparation has a threefold aspect. The catechetical programme in schools is geared to prepare children with the relevant level of teaching and instruction. On a parish level we have our catechetical Sundays, whereby catechesis for the children is included in the prayer of the community on a number of Sundays. In your own homes, I would invite you to pray and prepare with your children for these sacraments.
For Confirmation candidates, the choice of sponsor is important. This is a person who can offer guidance and example in the Faith. According to norms, it is to be a Catholic, over 16 years of age and already confirmed. Parents are not sponsors as their role is already defined.
Registration is now open Balyna-Parish-Communion-Request-Form-2026.pdf Balyna-Parish-Confirmation-Request-Form-2026.pdf and all application forms are to be returned by 30 September. For children baptized outside the parish, baptismal certificates should accompany the application. Please note that application is not automatic for children in our schools but must be made directly to the parish.
We look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and Confirmation with our parish families. The specific dates for the Sacrament of Confirmation will be shared Shortly. Please find dates and details of Balyna Parish First Holy Communion and Confirmation Program 2025/2026 Communion Confirmation Program 25-26
We warmly invite the children of the sacramental classes and their families to take part in the Enrolment Ceremony on Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of October.
- Saturday the 4th of October, 6:00pm, St. Brigid’s Church Clogherinkoe, children of Clocha Rince National School.
- Sunday the 5th of October. 9:30am, St. Patrick’s Church Johnstownbridge, children of Johnstownbridge National School.
- Sunday the 5th of October 11:00am, St. Mary’s Church Broadford, children of Broadford National School and Cadamstown National School.
Our ceremonies are simple and deeply prayerful and memorable in that simplicity. I look forward to engaging with you as we prepare for these joyful events and bring our children along the pathway to faith.
Many thanks!
Fr Seán