All the important events in life need preparation so that we make sure that everything is clear and everything goes as we hope. At this important point in your child's life with God, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion too will need careful preparation. The preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist is a very special time in the moral and spiritual development of your child.

Thoughts for parents to ponder...

Is your child ready? 
This has nothing to do with age; some children at this age are very aware of their faith, whilst others need a little more time. But the minimum age is 7.

Does your family have a regular commitment to the Church? 
This is part of the family commitment to this programme. Your child will be taught about their relationship with God, the Church, and with our wider faith community, therefore they need to feel part of their Christian family and be familiar with and regularly attending Sunday Mass.

Are you ready? 
This is probably the largest commitment. The programme is spread over 6-9 months, involves 2 - Parent sessions and a regular commitment not only to the sessions, but also to Sunday Mass.

What does the Course involve?
The Course is contained within the catechetical programme followed in this parish during term-time. Please contact Parish office for details of dates and times.

When are First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion celebrated?
First Reconciliation takes place at the end of February or the beginning of March and is the first important milestone on the journey towards First Holy Communion. First Holy Communion normally takes place in May/June, and is a time of great celebration for your child, their family, and indeed for the whole of the parish family as they all join in the celebration.

Parental Involvement
It is most important that you feel able to participate in and contribute during the course of the journey your child is making towards Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. To help parents feel involved in this process, Parent Information Evenings are held in January and May. These evenings are an opportunity for parents to get together with the priest, the catechists, and each other, to discuss the programme that their child has been following, and to allow for a general sharing of information, including the practical arrangements. The evenings also give you the chance to ask any questions you may have about your child's First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

What to do next...
Keep reading the Newsletter during the summer for the date of the new term of ‘Walk With Me', as the Reconciliation and First Holy Communion course will start at the same time as 'Walk With Me' begins.

Contact us for more information or if you have any questions.