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 2026-26
Applications are now closed for this year's First Holy Communion Programme. Thank you to all those families who are joining us! Please keep regular checks on this page for updates, as well as looking out for emails (our main communications method, using the MailChimp platform) and listening for announcements in church. Thank you also for the excellent start, as we see the vast majority of the children regularly at Mass.
The first of the Catechist-led classes are now set up and available for online booking. Until any of the slots are full, the following times are available:
- Tuesday 3rd November, 5.45pm or 6.30pm at Holy Cross Church OR
- Wednesday 4th November, 5.45pm or 6.30pm at St Mary’s Church.
Please look out for an email, sent around 3.30pm on Friday 23rd October with the booking link. (Please check you Spam folder if necessary, and remember to whitelist the sender address to avoid problems later on!)
PROGRAMME for 2025-26
All our First Holy Communion Masses have now been completed. We congratulate the children and thank all the families for their support along the way!
The presentation of certificates to those in our parish primary schools has now taken place - if you child is not at one of these schools, their certificate will be presented at your choice of the 9.30am Mass at St Mary's or the 11.15am Mass at Holy Cross on Sunday 1st November.
AND FINALLY...
Please continue to keep all the children and their families in your prayers.