Family Formation Process
Worth Abbey Parish has significantly changed the way in which we support families with their ongoing faith journey and sacramental preparation. The Church has always maintained that catechesis, or ‘passing on the faith’, is the primary responsibility of parents.
As your parish family, we are here to work with, support and encourage you in this long-term process by gathering all families together to celebrate, learn and worship. At the core of this process are age-appropriate streams for you and your children.
📖 Click to read Scripture & Pastoral Reflections
“Catechesis is, essentially, the formation in the life of Faith from the first proclamation of the Gospel Message, continuing through growth in prayer and the preparation for the Sacraments and then, through a journey of ever-deepening understanding of the ways of Faith throughout the whole of life.”
— The Word Who Is Life: The Pastoral Plan, 7
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — Isaiah 43:19
Formation Streams
Sowers
👶 Ages 0–3 | Newly Baptised Infants & Families
Welcoming parents with their babies and toddlers (ages 0–3) as they begin their journey of faith together in Worth Abbey Parish.
Run by Lucy Morgan. Meets quarterly on the 2nd Sunday of September, December, March, and June after 9:30am Mass.
Mustard Seeds
👶 Ages 3–5 | Unity Room
Using child-friendly resources, your little one will be helped to develop a relationship with God through a process of wondering and exploration using tactile resources and gentle storytelling.
Run by Maria and Johnny Welch, with helpers, using Good Shepherd Catechesis.
All Saints
👦 Ages 6–8 | Choir Vestry
This group replaces the First Holy Communion Programme. Your child will need to be a member of this group in order to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time within the Parish. Attending this group helps them learn what we believe and develop their prayer lives — as well as making great friends!
Read more about Sacramental Discernment
Group leaders review participants twice a year considering spiritual maturity and will converse with parents when feel your child is ready. You are also welcome to approach leaders directly. Children remain with the group after receiving the Sacraments to continue growing in faith and friendship.
Faith Alive
🎒 Ages 9–12 | Compass House, Living Room
Scripture tells us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Faith Alive helps children explore what it really means to put faith into action through service within the church community, works of charity, and active evangelisation — all within a framework of fun and friendship!
Run by Martin Brown and helpers.
Inspired Youth Group
✝️ Ages 13–16 | Parish Office
Helping teens discover what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and supporting parents to respond to big questions. This group replaces our Confirmation programme, so young people desiring Confirmation must be regular members.
Read more about Confirmation Discernment
Group leaders review participants annually regarding spiritual maturity and discuss who feels ready to be confirmed. Families are provided with discernment materials. Youth remain in the group post-Confirmation to continue growing in faith and witness.
Parents & Community
Parents Group
📍 Location: Narthex
A wonderful group for getting to know parishioners better while learning more about our faith across human, intellectual, pastoral and spiritual dimensions.
Parish Brunches
Everyone is invited on the second Sunday of each month to join in with this ever-popular opportunity to grow in friendship and Christian fellowship!
📅 Family Formation Dates for 2026/2027
Sessions usually take place on the 3rd Sunday of every month during term time:
- 20th September
- 18th October
- 15th November
- 17th January
- 21st February
- 18th April
- 16th May
- 27th June
Get Involved
If you and your family would like to be a part of this ever-growing community, please contact the Parish Office:
📧 Email: parish@worth.org.uk
(Note: You will need to complete a family consent form, which will be sent to you as soon as you let us know you would like to take part.)