Confession and First Holy Communion

We are pleased to welcome children seven years and over (Year 3 at school or above) and part of a family who are worshipping regularly here at Sunday Mass. Children are also expected to already know the Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be and the sign of the cross (in English to pray with the whole class). 

About the programme 

Preparation will take place every Saturday from early January 10.45am to 12 noon with breaks for school and public holidays. The First Holy Communion Mass will be in late June. 

We start with preparation for the Sacrament of Confession, where first confessions are made in preparation for First Holy Communion. This is followed by the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The First Holy Communion Mass will be a separate Sunday Mass.   

We have a team of four catechists and follow a scripture-based program. After introducing the week’s topic, the children take part in discussion/activity groups. We show short DVDs, and make the sessions as interactive with the children as possible. The sessions are held in the church and parents are welcome to stay. There is a course book, and we ask parents to be involved in the homework as it usually includes a scripture passage to think about and discuss. 

There are also classes for the parents, to support their children's learning.

It is a lovely programme, the children enjoy it, and feedback from parents has been positive. 

It is a commitment to attend each Saturday session, as everything follows on from one week to the next. There are no classes during school and public holidays.