The sacramental preparation of children to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion is the responsibility of the home, school and parish, working together in partnership. The sacramental preparation of our children must always be seen as one element of the broader task of whole-community.
The work of sacramental preparation begins long before the First Eucharist celebration.
The celebration of First Eucharist is a sacred and important moment on a long journey of faith development. Together with Baptism and Confirmation it opens the door to full membership of the Christian community. It is not an end in itself.
The partnership of school, family and parish also helps prepare our children for celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time.
Here the focus is on the mercy of God, our God who celebrates when we turn to God and ask for forgiveness for our sins. Also stressed is the importance that adults have as role models for children when it comes to their own participation in the Sacrament.
Video Series from the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Armagh has commissioned a series of videos to help the children of the Archdiocese to prepare for First Communion. The video series explores the Mass and its importance in the life of the Church. Many thanks to Veritas for allowing the Archdiocese to utilize images from the Grow in Love Programs for Religious Education in schools.
You can find the videos and worksheets here:
https://www.armagharchdiocese.org/holy-communion/
Dates for Your Diary
We look forward to celebrating the Sacraments of Holy Communion and Reconciliation with the schools, families, parish and children. Dates will be agreed with the schools and published in our parish bulletin / Facebook page.
Blessed Imelda Lambertini – Patroness of First Holy Communion Children
Download this colouring page here:
Colouring Page_Blessed Imelda Lambertini
Learn more about Blessed Imelda and First Holy Communion in this wonderful DVD in the “Brother Francis” series:
https://www.paulineuk.org/browse/DVDS/item/The-Bread-of-Life-Episode-2-DVD/727985013916