First Holy Communion

 

 

Preparation

 

When we receive Holy Communion we are sharing in the Body and Blood - the very life - of Christ Our Saviour. Holy Communion, and the whole service (Mass) is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.
 

The word ‘communion’ means to be united with; Catholics believe that in Holy Communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ.

"Take this and eat, this is My Body," Jesus said of the bread he shared among His followers at His Last Supper. Then taking a cup of wine He said, "Take this and drink, for this is My Blood. "

It is our duty  to ensure that children are properly prepared for the reception of the Sacrament. Our Parish has arranged a period of preparation, for both children and parents, details of which are shown below. 

  • Parents Notes

    • “Parents, you have asked to have your child baptised.
      In doing so you are accepting
      the responsibility of training them in the practice of the Faith...."

                                                                            Rite of Baptism

      The Promises you made at your child’s Baptism

      As parents you made the solemn promise to God at your children’s baptism.  Notice that the responsibility for your children’s faith is yours – not the school, not the priest, not even granny's (though they are really important), but YOURS.  If your children have been at a Catholic school, they have been preparing for the Sacraments every year since they began school.  But nothing can replace parents sharing their faith with their children!  Our parish programme for preparing children depends totally on the parents sharing this time with their children – if you are not prepared to do this, then we shall have to put your children’s First Communion off until a time when you can do it properly.  However, our meetings are organised to help you prepare your children.

      Baptismal Certificate: We need to know that each of your children is baptised.  If they are in a Catholic school this information will have been gained before acceptance.  If your children are not at a Catholic school we shall need a copy of the certificates of Baptism.

      Which parish do you belong to? If you live in another parish, or you regularly attend another church, then you will need to go and see the priest there, to gain his permission for your child(ren) to prepare with us. He may give you a written letter, or he may suggest you join your own parish’s preparation classes.

      Accompanying your child(ren) to Mass regularly: Preparing children for their First Holy Communion is at least a waste of time, or at most an insult to your child(ren) and God, if they are not regularly attending Mass already, with at least one parent.  Please note that if children or parents show little or no interest in preparing, by celebrating Mass on Sundays, their First Communion will be put off until another year.

      Mass at the English Martyrs' is:

      Sunday: 11.00am

       

      Children’s Liturgy of the Word: At the 11am Sunday Mass at the English Martyrs there is a special first part of the Mass for the children to read and discuss the Gospel in a way that they can understand.  You may find this helpful, both for your children and so that you can follow Mass in church without extra distraction.

       

      The Work Books:

      For the preparation, your child(ren) will need the workbook which they will follow in their preparation with you.  There is also a parents' book to help you.  There is a charge of £10 for the two books.  (If you already have a parents' book from another child, you will not need another of these.)

      Parish Catechists and liturgists:

      Please remember that various people in the parish will be involved in the preparation of your child(ren), in the Sunday liturgies or in praying for you and the children.  Please respect the time and effort they, and the school staff, have put into your children by being available and on time for the preparation sessions and Sunday Masses.

  • Adult First Communion

    • Normally, reception of the Eucharist is an integral part of reception into the Catholic Church. If you are about to join the Church, you will probably receive all the Sacraments of Initiation, Baptism, Communion and Confirmation at the same ceremony. 

       

      St Thomas and the English Martyrs' runs a 'Journey in Faith' programme for new converts, (‘RCIA - Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults’) .

       

      If you are a Catholic who has not received First Communion, then you can contact the Parish Priest who will be happy to discuss it with you.

       

     

     

     

     

     

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