The Catholic Churches of Esher &
Thames Ditton

The Catholic Churches of Esher and Thames Ditton warmly welcome anyone who is interested in exploring or joining the Catholic faith. Whether you are seeking Baptism, wish to become a Catholic from another Christian tradition, or are simply interested in learning more about the faith, we would be delighted to accompany you on your journey.
Our parish community is committed to supporting those discerning or preparing to become Catholic and invites you to participate in the spiritual life of the parish.

You are welcome to join us for Sunday and weekday Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, prayer groups, and other parish activities as you get to know our community. For further information about our parish, Mass times, and regular activities, please visit our website, sign up for our weekly newsletter, or contact the parish office. 

Additionally, we are pleased to support families from all local schools who have been inspired by their school RE lessons and exposure to our churches and are exploring the Catholic faith. We welcome referrals from Headteachers and other RE staff for pupils and families who have expressed a desire to be baptised or to become Catholic, and we will support them through the appropriate preparation and discernment process.

The following guidance outlines the sacramental preparation programmes offered at Holy Name and Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Churches, in accordance with the norms of the Diocese and Canon Law. Please note that our churches form part of the Moderated Parish of Weybridge, and sacramental preparation is organised across the parish to ensure a consistent and supportive experience for all candidates.

Adults seeking to become Catholic will be invited to join the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). This is the Church's established process of faith formation for adults who wish to become members of the Catholic Church. More than simply a course, RCIA is a journey of faith that includes spiritual, catechetical, and liturgical formation. It responds to Christ's invitation by accompanying both those who are unbaptised (catechumens) and those who have already been christened in another Christian tradition (candidates) as they explore the Catholic faith and deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.

If you are thinking of becoming a Catholic or would like to find out more about our faith, then please do get in touch by contacting the parish office or emailing etd@abdiocese.org.uk  Our new programme begins in January 2026......

Families wishing to have an older child baptised should contact the parish office to register their interest in the Baptism for Older Children programme. This programme is intended for children who have reached the Age of Reason—the stage at which a child is considered capable of personal moral responsibility and is able to recognise and express a desire to begin their journey of faith.

GETTING STARTED
Individuals who wish to begin the journey of becoming Catholic should contact the parish office at either Holy Name, Esher (esher@abdiocese.org.uk) or Our Lady of Lourdes, Thames Ditton (thamesditton@abdiocese.org.uk), as appropriate.

Following an initial enquiry, the parish will ask the family to confirm that they meet the programme requirements and provide the information needed to complete the child's registration including:
• That they are already part of the Catholic Church community within the Parish of Weybridge or, if not, that they are willing to now join and be registered as Parishioners
• That they already attend Mass regularly in the Parish of Weybridge or, if not, that they are committed to future attendance
• Where it is the child who wishes to join the Catholic Church, that one or both parents are Catholic or, if not, that the child has a Catholic godparent who commits to providing support throughout the child’s faith journey
• Where is it the child who wishes to join the Catholic Church, that the child has demonstrated a willingness to begin the necessary Sacramental Preparation Programme process as part of their faith journey
• Referrals from primary schools or other relevant educational staff to support their request.
The request to begin the journey of becoming Catholic will then be considered by the relevant Priest, who will confirm whether the requirements outlined above have been met and advise on the next steps. The Priest’s decision will be final.

In the absence of such a Priest at any point, the Chair of the Catholic Churches of Esher & Thames Ditton Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) will consider the family’s request. In this circumstance, should a family wish to appeal the decision of the PPC Chair they may request that the matter be escalated to the Parish of Weybridge Priests in Solidum. The decision of the Priests in Solidum will be communicated to the family and will be final.

SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION PROGRAMMES
Where the request to join the Catholic Church has been successful, the Catholic Churches of Esher & Thames Ditton will then include the family in the appropriate Sacramental Preparation Programme(s).
These Programmes are held each year for children of catechetical age preparing for Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation, and for adults preparing to join the Catholic Church.
Details of the Programmes for children are attached (it is unlikely that a Confirmation Programme will be held in 2027 as the current one is being realigned to comply with the agreed approach of the Parish of Weybridge).
For adults intending to join the Catholic Church, Alpha and RCIA Programmes will be offered.
Conclusion

We look forward to welcoming families who are interested in discovering our Catholic faith and supporting them and their children as they begin this journey. We hope this guide has been helpful as you consider whether becoming Catholic is the next step that you and/or your child wish to take.