Religious Education

at St Hugh of Lincoln, Buckden Towers

At St Hugh of Lincoln, Buckden Towers, we recognise that passing on the faith to the next generation is both a privilege and a responsibility shared by the whole parish community.

Unlike many parishes, we are not situated close to Catholic schools. This presents a particular challenge in supporting parents in raising their children in the faith, as much of the day-to-day formation that Catholic schools provide is not readily available to our families.

For this reason, the parish seeks to support families in a variety of ways, while recognising the realities of modern family life, including time pressures and commitments.

Sacramental Preparation

The parish offers preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, usually for children aged seven or eight. This programme provides an important foundation in the life of faith and introduces children to the sacraments at the heart of the Church’s life.

Children’s Liturgy

At the 10:00am Sunday Mass (the Family Mass), we offer a Children’s Liturgy of the Word. This allows younger members of the parish to hear and reflect on the Gospel in a way that is appropriate to their age and understanding.

Ongoing Catechesis

We recognise that faith formation does not end with First Holy Communion. However, it has been difficult to establish regular catechetical programmes for other age groups on Sundays, due to family commitments and the challenge of finding sufficient catechists to lead sessions.

Supporting Faith at Home

In light of this, we strongly encourage and support parents in their role as the first educators of their children in the faith. To assist with this, the parish website provides links to a range of trusted Catholic resources that families can use at home. These resources offer materials to help children grow in faith through the Church’s seasons, the Sunday Gospel, and key biblical stories.

Recommended Catholic Resources for Families

The following websites provide reliable and engaging materials for children and families:

Catholic Icing  
Creative activities, crafts, and teaching resources to help children learn about the faith.

CAFOD – Children’s Resources  
Resources focused on faith, justice, and global awareness, suitable for children and families.

Ten Ten Resources  
Prayer, liturgy, and faith formation resources used widely in Catholic schools and parishes.

The Mark 10 Mission  
Online videos and materials presenting the Gospel in an engaging and accessible way for children.

Catholic Kids Media  
Short videos explaining the Sunday Gospel and aspects of the faith in a simple and engaging format.

God Who Speaks (CBCEW)  
Scripture-based resources to help families engage with the Bible together.

A Shared Responsibility

The parish is here to support families, but the growth of faith begins in the home. Through prayer, conversation, and shared reflection, parents help their children come to know God and to live as followers of Christ.

We encourage all families to make use of the resources available and to find simple, regular ways to nurture faith at home.

At St Hugh’s, Buckden Towers, we continue to explore ways to strengthen our support for families and young people, and we are always grateful to those who are willing to assist in this important ministry.