First Holy Communion

This Sacrament of Holy Communion is the second stage of a person’s enrolment in the Catholic Church. The First Holy Communion ceremony is a very special occasion for our young parishioners as they receive the body of Christ for the first time and are then able to take full part in the celebration of Mass each week.

Preparation for First Holy Communion

The preparation programme teaches that enrolment in the church is about developing a relationship with Jesus Christ and the children learn that by receiving Holy Communion they will be filled with the real presence of Jesus.  Saying sorry for our sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation is an important part of preparing to receive the Eucharist and during the programme the children make their First Reconciliation.  

The First Holy Communion Preparation Programme is organised and run by a group of experienced catechists, assisted by parent volunteers. The preparation lessons take place across 12 Sundays after the 9.45am Family Mass, which the applicants will have celebrated together and taken an active part in. There are also two parent meetings.

The programme usually runs between November and May each year, with the First Holy Communion Masses typically taking place in May. Application forms to join the programme are only available at Mass the during the summer preceding the start of the course. Those applying must be entering Year 3 at school or older, and applications must be accompanied by a copy of the person’s Baptismal Certificate. Attendance at Mass every Sunday is a pre-requisite for taking part and continuing in the programme.