Reconciliation and Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion Programme is driven by the parish with the support of the school. Parents are the first educators and they are central to the success of the programme.

The parish would like to support parents in their roles so their children are able to receive Reconciliation (Confession) and First Holy Communion with some meaning. For children to be able to receive the sacraments they need to attend the preparation classes held once a week at church after the school day has finished. These classes are led by the Parish catechist, Mrs Stewart.

In Holy Communion preparations, the children develop their understanding of the importance of the Sacrament and what it means. They are fully prepared and supported so that the day is special for them and has meaning for each child and their families.

The parish usually offer the Sacramental Programme to children when they are in Year 3 so they have some understanding of the Sacrament they are receiving. However, children do not have to make their First Holy Communion in Year 3. Parents may decide that they would wish to wait until their child is older and they are more welcome to receive the sacrament later in their school life.

Only children who attend the preparation classes will be invited to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Children and families who have not attended the meetings are welcome to complete the programme when it runs again the following year.

The school will place no pressure on parents or families to attend these meetings as it has to be the parents’ wish for their child to take an active part in this preparation. Obviously, as you have chosen a Catholic school for your child, we would want to support you in any way we can. All information will be given to parents during the course of the year and obviously the best way to find out is to attend Mass with your child. School plays an important part in supporting with the programme, but the key to its success lies in the relationship with the parent, child and parish.