First Holy Communion (Holy Eucharist)
“The Eucharist is not simply an act of remembrance; it is a fact: the Lord’s Passover is made present once again for us. In Mass the death and resurrection of Jesus are set before us…”
- Pope Francis
The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life. We Catholics believe that, in the Eucharist, bread and wine are changed by God into the Body and Blood of Christ. We receive the real Body of Christ in Holy Communion, together with His soul and divinity.
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). 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 at the sessions and in the context of Sunday Mass. 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 really gaining that sense, with family and friends in prayer and worship, that they genuinely do belong?
IMPORTANT info FOR SACRAMENTAL PROGRAMME
If your child is within one of the parish schools, please register your interest with the school for your child to be a part of the sacramental journey. If your child attends a different school and would like to be registered please contact the Parish Office.
In our parish we offer a sacramental programme which is for children who are older where they attend sessions on a Sunday at St Anne’s before going into Mass. This is for children who are in both Catholic and non-Catholic schools and offers them opportunities to grow closer to God whilst on their sacramental journey.
The children are presented and welcomed into the Parish community before receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, and then the Eucharist.
We will inform you of a start date for this years' programme when we have them.
These links below will help you to prepare your child for their sacramental journey: