First Holy Communion information 2024-2025

Mass of Enrolment - Sunday 13th October @ 10am in church

Parent & Children Meetings in church @ 6pm

Wednesday 20th November

Wednesday 22nd January

Wednesday 19th March

Wednesday 21st May

Wednesday 11th June

Children will make their Sacrament of Reconciliation on a Saturday during Lent. A list will be sent out nearer the time.

First Holy Communion Mass in church @ 12 noon

Saturday 21st June

What is First Holy Communion?

First Holy Communion is performed in church by Catholics when a child reaches the age of around 7-8 years and celebrates the first time that they accept the bread and wine (also known as the Eucharist). Catholics believe that the bread and wine are the body and blood of Christ (through the miracle of transubstantiation) After this special occasion, the child is able to accept the bread and wine at Catholic Mass (church services) and is more deeply initiated into the Catholic Church. It is necessary for the child to have been Baptised (Christened) prior to their First Holy Communion.

The First Holy Communion is held in church within a special ‘First Holy Communion Mass’ and involves the children of Y3 (the communicants) receiving the Sacrament at once, in a service that is open to the whole community and their families.

The children and their parents will have been preparing for their special day in school through the Sacramental RE lessons. The children and their families will also have been regularly attending Mass. The First Holy Communion Mass is held on Saturday morning after the May half term.

Who goes and what to wear?
Family, Godparents and friends of the family will be invited to celebrate, along with the parish community that gathers together each week.

The child will be dressed up – girls in a white dress and veil, and boys in a suit or suit jacket. Anyone attending a First Holy Communion should dress appropriately for church – modestly and smartly but not over-the-top. 

The First Communion Mass

The Mass will start promptly ay 12:00 and lasts for approximately an hour. It will consist of prayers, hymns, readings, bidding prayers and the actual Communion. Children will receive their Holy Communion first, then any other worshippers will be invited to receive Communion too. If you are not Catholic you are welcome to go to Father for a blessing with your arms crossed over your chest. 

Can I take photos?

If you’ve been invited to a First Holy Communion, enjoy sharing this special day with family or friends. You won’t be able to take photos in the Church but make sure you get plenty outside before and after the service for the Communion photo album. 

Sacramental Preparation

Year 3 children will be embarking on the exciting spiritual journey towards their Sacrament of First Holy Communion this year. Children will be following a scheme of work titled 'The People of God' which will fully prepare them though two RE lessons per week for the Sacrament. It is essential that your child attends mass to help them fully prepare for confirming their faith. 

Parents and carers will be invited to attend meetings throughout the year to be given important information and how to help your child on their spiritual journey. The dates and content of these meetings will be confirmed in due course.

Sunday Morning Family Offertory

Each child who will be receiving Sacraments in Y3 and Y6 will be given the chance to show their commitment to the faith by taking up the offertory gifts at Sunday Mass in church with their family. A rota for these dates will be given to children. If you are unable to attend yours due to prior engagements, please swap with another family so that every slot is filled.

If you have any questions about Sacramental Preparation or if you wish to get your child baptised, please speak to one of the team or Father Stefan.

Thank you for your continued support.