The Source and Summit of the Christian Life
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.”
— John 6:51
First Holy Communion
Not only is it an important year in the life of your child, it is also an important year for their class, their teachers, and also for you the parents/guardians. It is also a special time too for the parish community.
Your child’s faith journey began the day you brought your child to the Church to be baptised. And what a special day that was for you and the family. Now, that child has grown, they are about to take another step in their faith journey, as they prepare for First Holy Communion. And we all have a part to play.
While the Home is the primary learning place, each parent/guardian will be asked to take on a special role over the next few months, to journey with your child as they prepare to receive the sacraments, as there is only so much that can be taught in school. Our teachers do a wonderful job in preparing the children for their special day, but ‘home is where the heart is’. And the home is the domestic Church, where our children are influenced by what they see and learn.
The Meaning of the Eucharist
The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith. When we come together for Mass, we experience something profound and life-giving.
- Coming Together – The first thing we see is people coming together. They come from different homes and situations: some happy, some sad, some fulfilled, some lonely. But there is a unity. Catholics are united in that we believe that coming together for the Sunday Eucharist, or Mass, is important.
- Listening – The second thing we see at Mass is that very soon everyone sits down to listen to the scriptures being read. At the final reading, which is from the Gospels, we stand to listen to the words Jesus himself spoke. When we listen to God’s word in the scriptures it brings God’s voice in the world into focus.
- Thanksgiving – The word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”. Everyone gathers around the altar with the priest to re-enact what Christ did with his disciples at the Last Supper. The bread and wine which have been brought forward to represent our life and work are now changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
- Communion – When we share in this sacred meal we do indeed share in the life of Christ. We are experiencing the result of God’s great desire to come to us and be one with us. In the Eucharist we find all that we need in life: unity with others, guidance from our heavenly Father, food for the journey and confirmation of the promise which was made to us by Jesus Christ.
Preparing Your Child
The Role of Family
Children learn the faith primarily at home. Simple practices like saying grace before meals, attending Sunday Mass together, and talking about what the Mass means all help your child to prepare. Your example of faith is the most powerful teacher. While the Home is the primary learning place, there is only so much that can be taught in school. Our teachers do a wonderful job, but ‘home is where the heart is’.
The Do This in Memory Programme
Our parish uses the “Do This in Memory” programme to prepare children for First Holy Communion. This parish-based programme involves families attending special Masses throughout the year, with activities and reflections designed to help children understand and appreciate the Eucharist.
After First Communion
First Communion is a beginning, not an ending. We encourage families to continue attending Mass every Sunday so that receiving Holy Communion becomes a regular part of your child’s life. The Eucharist is spiritual food for the journey of life.
Preparation & Arrangements
1
School-Based Preparation
Children prepare in 2nd class through the Alive-O/Grow in Love programme, learning about the Mass, the Last Supper, and the meaning of Holy Communion.
2
Do This in Memory Masses
Families attend specially prepared parish Masses once a month from October to May, with readings and activities focused on preparing children for the Eucharist.
3
First Confession
Before receiving First Communion, children celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) for the first time, learning about God’s love and forgiveness.
4
The First Communion Day
Children receive the Eucharist for the first time at a special parish Mass, surrounded by family, friends and the parish community.
Requirements
- Must be a baptised Catholic
- Must be in 2nd class (approximately age 7–8)
- Must complete the school and parish preparation programme
- Must receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation first
- Regular attendance at Do This in Memory Masses
Documents Required
- Baptismal Certificate (if baptised outside the parish)
- Enrolment Form
Get in Touch
The sacrament of the Eucharist is carried out every year in the parish with the help of the parish’s primary schools. More details will be announced closer to the date on the parish website. You can also get more information from the parish office.