Unusually our Parish School takes the lead in the preparation for First Holy Communion and Reconciliation programme with children of Year 4 and above. Parents are invited to put their children forward for preparation in September. Children who do not attend the Parish school are, of course, very welcome also.
The programme consists of child preparation during RE lessons at school. The parents of those not attending the school are given materials to support their child’s preparation at home. In Advent, Lent and just before First Holy Communion Day, there are workshops on a Saturday afternoon where Parish, school and families come together to take part in creative activities, closely linked with the child’s spiritual preparation. There are several celebrations:
an Advent Mass,
a Rite of Commitment,
Reconciliation,
the First Holy Communion Mass
and
a final Parish and School Celebration of Mass
The parents are supported during six meetings which address Baptism, Reconciliation and the Eucharist, as well as the everyday organisational business; e.g., social arrangements for the celebrations. The children are given work books to work on at home throughout the year, with their parents. The programme aims to ensure the preparation is at the level of the children and that they are able to take ownership of the celebrations.