First Holy Communion
St. Patrick's school and church work closely in the preparation of children from the parish. At present, Catechists are teachers who are local parishioners and give their time to prepare children after school. Preparation commences in February with weekly sessions, followed by a short reflection in which parents are invited to participate.
The programme we follow is called ‘I Belong' written by Aileen Urquart. Through a series of investigations into Gospel stories, prayer and self reflection; it is a programme which works most successfully when supported with further discussion with parents and family at home.
First Holy Communion is made in May, after the children have made their First Reconciliation.
The course concludes with a celebratory Going Forth Mass and a party arranged by parents.
Children who have newly made their First Holy Communion are encouraged to participate more fully in the Mass, for example, becoming altar servers.
The usual age for children to prepare for their First Holy Communion is when they are in Year 3 at primary school. St. Patrick's school is very supportive in the preparation of the children to receive Holy Communion, and the school's Religious Education scheme of work, ‘Here I Am', is designed to explicitly teach children, whether practising Catholic or not, about the importance of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
| Lesson 1: | In the name of the Father |
| Lesson 2: | Lord have Mercy |
| Lesson 3: | Celebrating our rescue |
| Lesson 4: | God helps me get it right. Preparing for First Confession. |
| Lesson 5: | Glory to God the highest |
| Lesson 6: | This is the word of Godthe Lord |
| Lesson 7: | Bread to offer, fruit of the vine |
| Lesson 8: | Do this in memory of me |
| Lesson 9: | Body of Christ, to love & to serve |
| Preparation for First Holy Communion. 6pm at St Patrick's Church | |
| First Holy Communion Mass. 10:00am St Patrick's Church | |
| Going Forth Mass. St Patrick's Church 7:00pm | |