The First Holy Communion Programme for 2026 begins on Tuesday 6th January at 5:00pm in the Fisher Hall. Children currently in Year 3 or above are old enough to be enrolled on the course. Registration forms are available from either Fr Philip or the Parish Office. The programme runs over a period of several months and includes sessions for both children and parents. Each session lasts approximately one hour and covers key aspects of the Catholic faith, with a particular focus on the Eucharist and what it means to receive Holy Communion for the first time. Children will learn about the Mass, the sacraments, and the importance of prayer in their daily lives.
Parents play a vital role in preparing their children for this important sacrament. We encourage all families to attend Mass together regularly during the preparation period. Parent sessions will be held on selected evenings to help you support your child's journey of faith. These sessions are informal and welcoming, and provide an opportunity to meet other families going through the same experience.
First Holy Communion Masses will be celebrated on two Sundays in May. The exact dates will be confirmed closer to the time. Each child will receive a certificate, a prayer card, and a small gift to mark this special occasion.
If your child is in Year 3 or above and has been baptised Catholic, they are welcome to join the programme. If your child was baptised in another parish, please bring a copy of their baptism certificate when you register. For children who have not yet been baptised, please speak to Fr Philip about arranging baptism before the programme begins.
Registration forms are available from the parish office and from the back of each church. You can also download a form from the parish website. Please return completed forms to the parish office by the end of January. If you have any questions about the programme, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We look forward to welcoming your family on this beautiful journey of faith. Please keep all our First Holy Communion children in your prayers as they prepare to receive Our Lord for the first time.