The parish Sacramental Programme in preparation for First Holy Communion is geared to children in Year 3 in Primary School (though older children who have missed the programme when they were in Year 3 are still welcome to join). Until a few years ago this had been combined with preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation, but this is no longer the case and Confirmation is now being prepared separately at a slightly older age.
This First Communion programme, (which will also bring the children to the Sacrament of First Reconciliation), begins with meetings for parents, but the most important aspect is not special meetings, events or courses for the children - it is simply about growing in their sense of belonging to the church family. Most of the preparation will be covered in the context of Sunday Mass (or Saturday evening if this is easier). After all, when the children receive Holy Communion for the first time, they are, in effect, saying "Now I'm fully a part of this community, this Family of God!" What could mean more now, than simply growing accustomed to regular involvement in the Mass and gaining that sense, with family and friends in prayer and worship, that they really do belong?
NEW PROGRAMME for 2025-26
- Please find some notes HERE from our Catechists, outlining the practical matters discussed at the introductory meetings. Thank you!
- The programme launched at all Masses on the weekend of 20th/21st September, with the children formally "presented" to the parish. Attendance "Passports" were given out at the end of Mass. It was wonderful to witness so many taking this first step and embarking on preparation for this great Sacrament.
- If you were not able to join us at the official "launch," we will still be happy to see you and your child at Mass next weekend, and the passports will still be available.
- If you have not applied for the programme but intended to do so, whilst applications are now closed we will still be happy to consider late requests on an individual basis. Please use the form on this page, but please note that this "late application request" form does not constitute registration for the programme - if we can accept your request, we will email you with a link to the full reqistration form.
PROGRAMME for 2024-25
All our First Holy Communion Masses were completed in the summer. We thank all the families for their support along the way! The presentation of certificates will take place in September / October - more details will be given nearer the time.
AND FINALLY...
Please continue to keep all the children and their families in your prayers.