In our parish communities — St Mary’s, St John Bosco, and St Edward’s — First Holy Communion is the moment when a baptised Catholic first receives Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.
The Eucharist is not a symbol or a reward for completing a course.
It is the true Body and Blood of Christ, given for the life of the Church.
First Holy Communion is therefore a sacred encounter, approached with reverence, faith, and preparation.
What the Eucharist Is
The gift of Christ Himself
At Holy Mass, bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.
In receiving Holy Communion, the faithful are:
- united with Christ
- strengthened by His grace
- drawn more deeply into the life of the Church
- nourished for the journey of faith
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
A sacrament that presupposes faith
Because the Eucharist is truly Christ, those who receive Him must be able to:
- recognise that this is not ordinary food
- approach with reverence and understanding
- desire to live as Catholics within the life of the Church
For this reason, preparation for First Holy Communion is about readiness, not simply age.
Preparation for First Holy Communion
Preparation for First Holy Communion in the parish is personal, pastoral, and faith-centred.
We no longer offer programmes based solely on school year or age.
Instead, preparation is shaped around the child, the family, and the growth of faith.
Parents are recognised as the first teachers of the faith, and preparation always involves them.
Who can be prepared?
Preparation for First Holy Communion is offered to:
- baptised children who are ready to understand and reverence the Eucharist
- baptised older children or adults who have not yet received Holy Communion
Readiness includes:
- regular attendance at Sunday Mass
- a basic understanding of the Eucharist
- a desire to receive Jesus reverently
- willingness within the family to support Catholic practice
Preparation is never rushed and may take place later than expected if this is pastorally appropriate.
What preparation involves
Preparation normally includes:
- personal conversation with the parish
- catechesis suited to the age and understanding of the child
- teaching on the Mass, the Eucharist, and prayer
- guidance on Confession and examination of conscience
- encouragement to grow in regular Mass attendance
Preparation may take place one-to-one, within families, or in small groups, depending on circumstances.
First Reconciliation
Before receiving Holy Communion for the first time, children are prepared for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This helps them to:
- understand God’s mercy
- learn how to examine their conscience
- approach the Eucharist with a clean heart
Reconciliation is presented gently and positively, as a gift of forgiveness.
The Celebration of First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is normally celebrated within the parish Mass, not as a separate or private event.
This emphasises that:
- the Eucharist belongs to the whole Church
- the child is joining fully in the worshipping community
- Holy Communion is part of regular Catholic life
Families are encouraged to continue attending Mass faithfully after the celebration.
Interested in First Holy Communion? Let’s Begin
If you are:
- a parent enquiring about First Holy Communion for your child
- an adult who has never received Holy Communion
- unsure whether your child is ready
You are very welcome to make contact.
Preparation begins with conversation, not enrolment.
Where: St Mary’s, St John Bosco, or St Edward’s
Contact: Fr John — frowens@pm.me
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me and I in him.”
(John 6:56)
That is the heart of First Holy Communion.
St. Mary's, St. John Bosco and St. Edward's 