4The sacrament of the Eucharist has been instituted by Christ, to be celebrated in memory of him. Through the Eucharist the Church re-presents his once and for all Sacrifice to the Father, and from the Eucharist the Church receives spiritual food and drink, Christ’s Body and Blood, that she might live strong in faith.
Those children baptised after the age of 6 or 7 and those baptised as Adults will generally receive Holy Communion for the first time during the Mass at which they are baptised and confirmed.
Those baptised as infants will normally receive Holy Communion for the first time when they are aged 7 or more, and after a time of special preparation. Eucharist is the third and final sacrament of initiation into the sacramental life of Church. However, in the case of those baptised as infants, in recent years it has commonly been celebrated before Confirmation .
There are two tracks for the preparation.
The first is for children not at Catholic schools.
The second is for those children in the parish primary school, St Nicholas.
Both tracks come together in the parish programme - largely focussed on Sunday Mass and parish service.
Help for parents in leading their children to deeper participation in Sunday Mass
Our parish preparation is open to all children but is designed for those who have been baptised in the Catholic Church have been attending Sunday Mass in the parish church each week over the past year.
Parents of children who have not been baptised in the Catholic Church, should arrange to meet with the parish priest as soon as possible - and before applying - to discuss their circumstances.
2022-24 Programme
Those children baptised after the age of 6 or 7 and those baptised as Adults will generally receive Holy Communion for the first time during the Mass at which they are baptised and confirmed.
Those baptised as infants will normally receive Holy Communion for the first time when they are aged 7 or more, and after a time of special preparation. Eucharist is the third and final sacrament of initiation into the sacramental life of Church. However, in the case of those baptised as infants, in recent years it has commonly been celebrated before Confirmation .
There are two tracks for the preparation.
The first is for children not at Catholic schools.
The second is for those children in the parish primary school, St Nicholas.
- Saturday classes - for those not at Catholic schools.
- St Nicholas school will communicate their plans directly to parents.
Both tracks come together in the parish programme - largely focussed on Sunday Mass and parish service.
Help for parents in leading their children to deeper participation in Sunday Mass
- Handout with a range of resources and suggestions
Our parish preparation is open to all children but is designed for those who have been baptised in the Catholic Church have been attending Sunday Mass in the parish church each week over the past year.
Parents of children who have not been baptised in the Catholic Church, should arrange to meet with the parish priest as soon as possible - and before applying - to discuss their circumstances.
2022-24 Programme
- Life in Communion - a resource and project book for families preparing for Holy Communion
- Confirmed dates for First Confession and First Reception of Holy Communion
- Rehearsal dates in preparation for first reception of Holy Communion