Holy Communion

'Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.'

During Year 3, our children are given the opportunity to make the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This is a major part in the life of a Catholic. Though no one can replace the role of the parent in preparing your child for this special moment, you are not alone in this task.

The parish and school will always be ready to help and support. Our school, in its Religious Education lessons, will teach your child about Jesus, the Church, the Sacraments and especially about Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

St. Mary's and our parish community work very closely together to prepare the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the First Holy Communion celebration, and parishioners will provide you and your family, along with other families, opportunities to participate in its life and to get to know your fellow parishioners better.

You will know that your child is ready to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation when in their own way they:

• know that God loves them and is always ready to forgive no matter what;
• know and understand what is meant by sin;
• are able to reflect on their own behaviour;
• they want to express sorrow and to make amends;
• appreciate the place and importance of Reconciliation.

You will know that your child is ready to make their First Communion when in their own way they:

• know about Jesus, they pray to him and want to receive Communion with him and his church;
• show reverence and respect;
• know the difference between Holy Communion and ordinary food;
• be attentive and aware of what is happening during Mass;
• have some sense of belonging to the parish family.

First Holy Communion Commitment Mass - Sunday 20th November 2022, 11am at Holy Trinity.

First Holy Communion - Saturday 10th June 2023, 2pm at Holy Trinity. 

Please pray for those preparing for their First Holy Communion:

O Jesus, who hast loved us with such exceeding great love
as to give us the ineffable gift of the Holy Eucharist,
inflame us with a burning zeal to promote Thy glory
by preparing worthily the little children
who are to approach Thy holy table for the first time.
Protect, O Sacred Heart of Jesus,
these young souls from the assaults of evil,
strengthen their faith,
increase their love and endow them
with all the virtues that will make them worthy to receive
Thee.

Amen.

Sacramental Preparation

Our Parish Catechist, Barbara Davies, has been helping the Year 3 children prepare to receive the Sacrament of Forgiveness. They discussed the message Jesus gives us in the Parable of the Prodigal Son and what this teaches us about God Himself. We have also discussed why it is important to ask God for forgiveness and how we can imitate Jesus’ actions to help us to forgive others who sin against us. #REstm #prayerandliturgy #catholiclifestm