A Thriving Catholic Parish in South East London
Sacraments
Parish Life
Sacraments of Initiation
First Holy Communion
To receive First Holy Communion at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, children must be baptised Roman Catholics, usually aged 7 or 8 (Year 3 or above), and should be regularly attending Sunday Mass with their families.
Parents are asked to register their children for the parish preparation programme, which will begin in mid-November. Registration will open in mid-September, and families are encouraged to contact the parish office early to secure a place.
The preparation involves catechetical sessions—starting with monthly Family Catechesis gatherings—and also includes preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
For more details about registration periods, required documents, and the full programme schedule, please speak to the parish office, Catechists or check the parish newsletter .
Confirmation
Sacrament of Confirmation – Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen
In the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Sacrament of Confirmation is usually received by young people who are at least 12 years old, have already been baptised, and are being prepared both through the parish community and, more remotely, in our Catholic schools.
Confirmation is ordinarily celebrated by the Bishop (or, on rare occasions, by a priest delegated by him). It is a wonderful opportunity for our young people to make their own the promises made for them at Baptism and to be strengthened by the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
RCIA
R.C.I.A. – Becoming Catholic at Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen
In the Archdiocese of Southwark, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (R.C.I.A.) is the process through which adults can:
Become Catholic,
Receive the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist,
Or deepen their understanding and practice of the Catholic faith.
The journey takes place within the parish community, and includes:
Study and formation sessions,
Times of prayer and reflection,
Special diocesan celebrations such as the Rite of Election at St George’s Cathedral,
all leading towards full membership of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil.
At Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen, the R.C.I.A. Programme runs from October to Easter this year.
✨ If you feel God is calling you to take this step, we are here to support your journey of faith.
Please contact Fr. John at the parish office as soon as possible to find out more and to register your interest.
Confirmation Date
At Our Lady of the Rosary, Blackfen,
We warmly encourage candidates in Year 9 and above who wish to be confirmed in 2026 to look out for details in the parish newsletter and website from late September to October 2025, when application forms will be available from Catechists after Sunday Mass. If you are attending Mass regularly, you will not miss out.
In the meantime, please prepare by:
Contacting your parish of Baptism to obtain a Baptism Certificate (if you don’t already have one).
Choosing a sponsor who:
Is at least 16 years old,
Has been Confirmed (ask them now for a copy of their Confirmation Certificate),
Attends Mass weekly (they may be asked to provide a letter from their parish priest),
Is not one of your parents.
The programme normally consists of around 10 sessions, held on Monday evenings, 6:00–7:00pm, running from December to Easter (excluding school holidays).
We look forward to welcoming our next group of young people as they continue their journey of faith and prepare to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit.
Change your life through the life of faith
Are You New to the Parish?
We warmly welcome you! Please register yourself and your family so we can stay connected. Registration cards are available at the back of the Church.
If you need assistance, feel free to speak to the priest or the parish secretary—we are always happy to help.