Preparation for the Holy Eucharist

Children will be invited to receive their First Holy Communion when they enter year 3 at school. First Holy Communion is to be preceded by the sacraments of Baptism and Confession. The preparation of children for these sacraments is a collaborative effort of home, school and parish. In September of each year, published in the weekly bulletin, an invitation will be made to parents to apply for a place for their child on the forthcoming programme.  

At school the candidates will receive a general religious education that includes information about the sacraments in the life of the Church. School staff also participate in some aspects of the Preparation Programme and in the actual celebration of the sacraments.

The Preparation Course takes place in the Parish and runs over several months. Meetings are held during term time, out of school hours, and are led by parish catechists with appropriate parental involvement. There are also activities to be undertaken at home by each family. Regular participation at Sunday Mass is expected of all candidates with the active support of their parents.  Preparation for the sacrament of Confession is included in the course. First Communion usually takes place in May.