St Therese of Lisieux – Hirwaun

Parish life

St Therese of Lisieux church stands on Station Road, Hirwaun, CF44 9TS. Children in one of the parish's Catholic schools are informed when they may prepare for First Holy Communion. The parish works with families to prepare children for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Children are usually brought to Reconciliation by parents after preparation at home, parish, and school, with a first celebration often in Lent. Young people baptised as infants are usually confirmed by the Bishop in their early teens (School Year 8 or above), with preparation announced in the newsletter. Confirmation takes place once a year during Mass when the bishop visits, with preparation classes starting a few months before.

Adults interested in being baptised and confirmed should start by joining the Sunday congregation and then talk to the parish priest. Those becoming Catholic should contact the Parish Priest after attending Mass for a few weeks to begin the Rite of Initiation of Adults (or Children).

Couples should approach the priest of their parish and the church where they hope to marry to fix dates and begin preparations before booking receptions or honeymoon. The sick and housebound are invited to receive Communion as frequently as possible according to parish arrangements. In hospital, patients must ask staff to contact the on-call Catholic priest, as hospitals will not do so automatically.