First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is the sacrament in which a child first receives the Body and Blood of Christ. In preparation, children learn the meaning of the Mass, the Real Presence, and the importance of the Eucharist as the source and summit of Christian life.
Children in Year 3 and above from practising Catholic families are eligible. The preparation year begins each September and runs to late spring. Registration opens at the beginning of May for the following September.
The year at a glance
Preparation runs from September to late May, with weekly Saturday morning sessions in the parish hall. Parents are asked to support their child's home reflection and to attend Mass regularly as a family throughout the preparation year.
Required documents
- Child information form (completed at registration)
- Baptism certificate (if the child was baptised outside this parish)
- Photo and safeguarding consent
Parent commitment
Children preparing for First Holy Communion are expected to attend Mass each week with their family. Parents are also asked to attend two parent meetings during the year and to help at least once with the Saturday sessions.
Registration
Registration opens on the first Sunday of May each year, for the preparation year beginning the following September. You can start online using the form below — Fr Benny will then be in touch to confirm the next steps. Places are confirmed in order of registration.
Register your child for First Holy Communion
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it.
— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324
What the journey looks like
- 01MayRegistration opens. Parents complete the child information and baptism certificate forms.
- 02SeptemberPreparation begins. Weekly sessions on Saturdays, 10.00 am – 11.15 am in the parish hall.
- 03AdventFirst parent meeting and retreat day for children.
- 04LentFirst Confession (the Sacrament of Reconciliation) in preparation for receiving Communion.
- 05Late MayFirst Holy Communion Mass, usually the last Saturday of May.
Begin the conversation
The next step is a phone call or email to Fr Benny. He'll arrange a time for you to meet.