Milestone Ceremonies

Milestone Ceremonies

We create, write and officiate milestone ceremonies as an alternative for children who may not be participating in First Holy Communion or Confirmation.  We have been discussing the need for milestone ceremonies for some time and we are delighted we can now offer a fun, inclusive ceremony for children all over Ireland.

Why is there a need for Milestone Ceremonies?

Ireland has seen a huge rise in the interest in secularism in recent years. Many parents are seeking secular, non- religious ceremonies such as naming ceremonies and various kinds of coming of age ceremonies. All cultures throughout history have found meaningful ways to celebrate and mark these important transitions in life, and alternatives here in Ireland are becoming more popular.

We believe that all children deserve a milestone ceremony in Ireland regardless of their religious background and beliefs and therefore we have created ceremonies to honour and celebrate children as an alternative to first communion and confirmation rituals. We want to acknowledge the diversity of children around the country and our aim is to deliver milestone ceremonies, which focus on those children so that they feel celebrated, loved and supported.

Ritual and celebration go back centuries, so we want children to feel celebrated outside organised religion if that is their wish. We also want to offer choice to mark the occasion in a structured, meaningful and memorable way, surrounded by family, friends and the wider community. As Independent Celebrants, we celebrate all of life’s milestones and provide a modern approach to traditional ceremonies, while always respecting the importance of ritual and ceremony in all cultures.

Our Focus

We have created ceremonies which focus on children and young adults who are not participating in first communion or confirmation ceremonies/rituals in primary school. We can also cater for any children who are being home-schooled and are not participating in communion or confirmation.

Stepping Stone Ceremonies

Our Stepping Stone Ceremonies have been created for children who are not taking part in first communion, so typically children in 2nd class.

Most seven and eight year olds are becoming responsible, more independent, aware of the community around them, brave, more questioning, developing empathy and developing social awareness.

We have identified a number of themes around which we have created our ceremonies. While engaging with parents and children in the creation of ceremonies, more themes may come to the fore which can also be included. Some of the themes we want to focus on are; family, community, culture, friendship responsibility, empathy, the environment and fun.

Coming of Age Ceremony

Our Coming of Age Ceremonies have been created for young adults who are not taking part in confirmation so typically children in 6th class.

A coming-of-age ceremony is a way to support, honour, encourage and celebrate children who are stepping into adolescence or teenagers moving into adulthood. Whether it’s a religious rite or cultural rite, a recurring theme in so many coming of age rituals is that of becoming spiritually mature and socially aware. Most 12/13 year olds are becoming independent, questioning everything around them, responsible, seeking support/mentorship and seeking the ability to forge their own path.

We have identified a number of themes around which we have created our coming of age ceremonies. While engaging with parents and children in the creation of ceremonies, more themes may come to the fore which can also be included. Some of the themes we want to focus on are; family, community, culture, maturity, courage and conviction, friendship responsibility, empathy, the environment and fun.

Our Ceremonies

We have created ceremonies which are inclusive and fun and will include opportunities for the children to demonstrate their interests, passions and skills and for parents and guardians to communicate their love and support for the children. No ceremony for children can take place without lots of fun and celebration and we want to ensure the ceremonies are all about the children.