Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for children

The parish runs a programme of preparation for children who belong to the parish and are over the age of 7 years (i.e. in year 3 or above in the primary school) who wish to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time.
 

We have an excellent team of qualified and experienced catechists all of whom are CRB checked. The sessions are held on Sunday mornings from 11.a.m. to 12 noon and take place in Donhead School, Edge Hill. Children are prepared in groups of about 20 and attend a variety of schools; while consideration is given to friendship groups and family requests it is also part of the policy that children are introduced to the wider community of the parish and get to know other children with whom they may not go to school.

Towards the end of July and again in the beginning of September the dates regarding registration are published in the parish newsletter and parents are invited to register on one of two Sunday mornings in September prior to the first session which is generally the 3rd Sunday. Late registrations cannot be considered.
 

The ‘First Communion Year’ runs from the end of September to May. The Autumn term is normally of 10 sessions leading to the joyful celebration of Reconciliation before the Christmas holidays. We deliberately approach each of the sacraments separately in order to give each its rightful place and be understood as two individual encounters with Jesus and the Church. The Spring term, also of 10 sessions, concentrates on the meaning and celebration of the Mass, and Holy Communion in particular.

During each term 3 sessions are held for parents and run at the same time as the children’s sessions; a crèche staffed by CRB checked personnel is available for younger brothers and sisters. It is important that, as far as possible, parents attend these sessions both as visible support for their children and a chance to up-date and refresh their own understanding of the sacraments as adults.

A quote from the ‘Welcome’ page of children’s book makes it clear where the focus of our catechesis lies:

Your catechists will guide you each week and together you will learn that God is your loving Father who never stops loving you, whatever happens. He cares for you, your family and your friends all the time. You will learn more and more about Jesus and get to know him as your special friend who loves you so much that he wants to give himself to you in Holy Communion. At the end of the year you will be able to receive Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion.
This year is great fun .. so enjoy!

For further information contact Sr Dorothy