First Confessions will be heard in church this year. Words that need practising to help with this sacrament: 

First Holy Communion Masses:

Below are some extracts covering essential details for the First Holy Communion Masses.

Sashes/Medals

The boys will be provided with a red sash and a rosette with medal. The sash is worn from the right shoulder to the left hip.  The rosette and medal are worn on the opposite side (left side of the chest).

The sash needs to be returned to school after official photographs have been taken.

The girls will be provided with a medal to be worn on a ribbon around their neck although many choose not to wear it in preference of their own necklaces.

The boys will need to wear grey trousers or shorts, a white shirt, (long or short-sleeved), long grey socks and black shoes. They should also wear a red Holy Communion tie.

If you have bought your son a suit for the occasion, we request that he removes the jacket for the duration of the service and for photographs.

Seating in Church

The children will sit together in the front benches.  They will need to be in their places at 11.45am.

Please ensure that your child has been to the toilet before Mass begins as they will be discouraged from going during the Mass.

Families will be allocated to a bench with room for approximately 8 members of the immediate family. The benches will be labelled. Other guests may use the benches towards the back of the church and the side chapel- we recommend you arrive early to ensure finding a seat.

Non-Catholic relatives and friends are very welcome to receive a blessing from Father during Communion if they wish to.  This can be indicated to Father by crossing arms over the chest.

Please ask relatives and friends not to talk during the service.

Receiving First Holy Communion                           

The children will make their First Holy Communion by receiving in the hand. However, if your child is wearing gloves they should be removed or the child should receive on the tongue.

Photographs/ Videos/ Mobile Phones

Please do not take photographs or use video cameras during the Mass and remind other guests of this.  We do not want the children to be distracted during this very special Sacrament. Please ensure any mobile phones are switched off.

On Monday 19th June from 8.30am, official individual and group photographs will be taken in Church.  The children need to come to school in their Holy Communion clothes and bring their school uniform to change into.

Party

There will be a party for the children and refreshments after the First Holy Communion Mass.

I belong books

Thank you for your co-operation in working through these books: the children should have completed all exercises in good time before the First Holy Communion.

Sunday Mass

Although the First Holy Communion Mass does count as your Sunday obligation, we encourage you to attend your usual Sunday Mass with your child dressed in their dress / shirt and sash. This helps the parish to feel part of the special occasion.