Southwark Cathedral welcomes all who are exploring their faith and wish to begin a journey of initiation into the life of the Church. The Cathedral prepares candidates for the rites of Baptism, Confirmation, Admission to Holy Communion and Reception into the Church of England.
These rites of initiation are usually offered to those who worship regularly at the Cathedral or who live within the Cathedral parish, but we welcome all enquirers. You can find out if you live in the Cathedral parish here.
If you would like to find out more, please contact Canon Michael Rawson by email or telephone 020 7367 6706.
Baptism
Southwark Cathedral has a lively and growing congregation and we are delighted to baptise those who are regular members of our congregation or who live in the Cathedral parish. We also welcome those who wish to reaffirm the promises that were made at their baptism, and can advise anyone who is unsure whether they have been baptised but would like to be.
Confirmation
Confirmation is when a person publicly affirms the promises made at their baptism and receives the laying on of hands by a bishop. It is seen as a step of spiritual maturity and full initiation into the life of the Church. Confirmation is usually celebrated from the age of 11, and adults as well as children may be confirmed. If you have not yet been baptised, we also prepare candidates to be baptised and confirmed at the same service.
There are usually three diocesan Confirmation services each year:
- The Eve of Pentecost | 23 May 2026, 4pm - clergy register here (registration closes 9 May)
- The Eve of Christ the King | 21 November 2026, 4pm - registration opens in September
- The Easter Vigil | Saturday 27 March 2027, 8pm - registration opens in January 2027
Most people prepare for confirmation through their local parish church. You can find your nearest parish church here.
The Cathedral runs a Confirmation course, with Confirmation at the Easter Vigil (the evening before Easter Day). Preparation groups for adults and children usually begin meeting in February and are for members of the Cathedral congregation or those resident within the Cathedral parish.
Admission to Holy Communion
Children in Year 3 and above who have been baptised and are regular worshippers at the Cathedral are warmly invited to be admitted to receive Holy Communion. This usually takes place at the 11am Choral Eucharist on the Feast of Christ the King (in late November).
Preparation for Admission to Holy Communion takes place in the weeks leading up to the service.
Reception into the Church of England
Reception into the Church of England is for those who have been baptised and confirmed by a bishop in another Christian denomination. The bishop will formally receive you and welcome you into the life of the Church of England, and your previous baptism and confirmation are formally recognised. This usually takes place at a diocesan Confirmation service.