First Holy Communion

The course of First Holy Communion preparation is for families who live and practice their Catholic faith in the parish of St John. On this basis and for this reason they ask the parish to help them with preparation for the Sacraments.

 If you and your family do not practice your Catholic faith in our parish, please first begin living your sacramental life within our parish community.  You can then ask for your child to be prepared for the Sacraments with us. After preparation you can ask for the Sacraments at any Catholic Church.

First Holy Communion is a very special time in the life of every family and our parish aims to provide a first-class preparation course as well as a celebration that is both happy and memorable. It is a busy time as we prepare and we ask parents to help our volunteer Catechists as much as possible.

• Our course comprises eight teaching sessions and it is imperative that children attend each  and every session.
• Parents are also required to attend a number of adult formation sessions using the “Sycamore” programme.
• Parents’ meeting: An initial parents’ meeting will be held in the early autumn.

Eligibility: We will accept children of parents who live in, are registered with and are practicing members of  St. John the Evangelist Parish.

Faith Practice: Sunday Mass is at the heart of our spiritual life as a privilege and obligation, when we celebrate the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection.  It is vital that candidates and their families attend Sunday Mass every week. We would recommend, where possible, that this be the 10.30am Family Mass so that children can take part in the Children’s Liturgy and get to know the Catechists.

The celebration of First Holy Communion each year is primarily a parish community celebration. On this understanding, the parish will give every help to parents and children, particularly those children not attending Catholic schools. The support of parents for this and other elements of the course cannot be emphasised enough. .

Age: The minimum age for children to be accepted on the programme will be they have commenced Year 3 (aged 7 – 8 years). Some children may not be ready to participate and engage in everything that sacramental preparation requires, in which case it is quite acceptable to postpone until they are older. The Diocese publications “Readiness for Reconciliation” and “Readiness for Holy Communion” can help guide families to make the right decision about their child’s readiness.

Children’s Attendance: Parents must ensure that their children attend punctually all the preparation classes. No child will be denied First Holy Communion, however, children who miss sessions will have missed key catechesis. In such cases and after discussion with our Catechists we will invite parents to reapply for the programme next year. Sports events, parties and other such competing attractions must come second to attendance on the programme and regular attendance of Mass. We treat this seriously and hope that you will as well. Naturally things happen in life so if there is a genuine emergency then please get in touch.

Costs: This is £40 per child. The Parish purchases the children’s books and all the materials required to run the programme and we therefore need to make a charge. If this creates difficulty for you, then please speak to Father.

Baptism Certificate: We will need a photocopy of your child’s baptismal certificate, if they were baptised in another parish. 

Communication: Most communication will be by e-mail but keep an eye on the newsletter and on our website.

Issues, Complaints and Suggestions: Please know that the team running this programme are volunteers, giving their time and care. We kindly ask for your patience and respect in communications — we are here to support you and your child with kindness. Please raise matters of concern appropriately with Father or the Programme Administrator in a polite and constructive manner. Indeed, we will be keen for suggestions as to how we can improve our programme of preparation.

Safeguarding: The Parish follows the Diocesan Safeguarding Policy www.abdiocese.org.uk/safeguarding. All our Catechists and Parish Priest are DBS cleared. 

Within our Parish, The Parish Safeguarding Representative has special responsibility for promoting good and safe practices in all activities involving children, young people and adults at risk within the parish. The Parish Safeguarding Representative is the link between the parish and the Diocese and as such, is in regular contact with the Diocesan Safeguarding Office.

If you have any concern at any time please raise your concerns with the parish priest, the catechists or the Parish Safeguarding Representative.

GDPR: As with Safeguarding we comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (2018). 

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FOR THE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION PROGRAMME 2026/7 HAVE NOW CLOSED.