The Sacrament of the Eucharist

In the greatest sacrament, the Eucharist, Christ does not just give us his gifts, he gives us himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, to bring us closer to God.

Children's First Holy Communion Preparation

A child’s preparation for their first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion is a very important stage on their journey of faith. Parents and carers are the main teachers of faith to their children, and our priests and catechists want to support parents and carers in their faith.

When can my child make their first Holy Communion?

Our first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion programme is open to children in school Year 3 and above.  Children attend the programme, with a parent/carer, to learn about their faith and then they make their first Holy Communion at the end of the programme, in early Summer.

Keep an eye on the weekly Newsletter or check back on this page in the Summer before your child enters Year 3 for information on how to enrol for the first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion programme.

When and where does the preparation programme take place?

There are monthly sessions which begin in September, after an initial parents’/carers’ meeting.
There is a choice of which session to attend:
  • Saturday morning at St Richard's Church
  • Sunday morning at St Peter's Church
Each session is followed by a first Holy Communion Preparation Sunday Mass on the same weekend, in which families are very involved.

​What happens during the sessions? 

We use a programme called Growing Up Catholic. It gives parents/carers the opportunity to teach their own children and discuss their faith with them, with support and guidance from catechists.

How do I enrol my child for the preparation programme?

You will be able to enrol your child online on this page from early Summer or by using paper application forms, which will also be available in church from early Summer.