Preparation classes for the Sacrament of Holy Communion

 

The Sacrament of Holy Communion is an important stage in a child’s faith journey. It is the point at which a baptised child, through specific formation and celebration, is introduced to a deeper relationship with Christ and the Church.

A fundamental catechetical requirement, as set out by Pope Pius X, is that the child is able to recognise the distinction between the Eucharist and ordinary bread.

The Meaning of Holy Communion

Three key elements are central to the celebration of Holy Communion:

1. Thanksgiving
   An opportunity to thank God for all the blessings in our lives.
2. Acknowledging
   Remembering Christ’s gift to us, not as something that happened only in the past, but as something that is present and real for the people of God today.
3. Appreciating
   Recognising Christ as present in the Word and Sacrament, and in the clergy and people, whenever we gather as a community.

First Holy Communion Programme at St Mary’s church Edlington

St Mary’s offers a First Holy Communion programme each year. This programme is designed to prepare Roman Catholic children of our parish for their First Holy Communion, which takes place in the church during May or June.

As part of this preparation, the children will also prepare for their First Confession.

Preparation is open to children aged 7 (School Year 3) and above.

Teaching and Structure of the Programme

The children are taught by the priest and volunteer catechists who generously give their time. The lessons are carefully planned to be both fun and informative.

We hope that your child will enjoy this preparation time and encourage families to see it as an opportunity to grow together in faith, and in knowledge and love of God.

The programme is called I BELONG, and parents are asked to purchase the accompanying book for their child.

Role of Parents

Parents play the most important role in the preparation process. They are asked to support their child by:

• Accompanying their child to Mass every week
• Praying with their child
• Helping their child with a small amount of homework

The programme begins with an introductory session for parents. Parents are also required to attend the Reconciliation evening with their children.

Children’s sessions take place on Mondays from 4:45pm to 5:45pm, followed by Mass at 6:00pm.

The course usually starts in January and concludes in May or June.

Parental support and encouragement throughout the programme is vital, both for the catechists and for the faith development of the children.

What the Church Teaches About Holy Communion

The Eucharist is described by the Church as “the source and summit of the Christian life.”
All other sacraments, ministries, and works of the Church are united with the Eucharist and directed towards it. In the Blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church—Christ himself, our Paschal sacrifice.