Sacrament of Holy Communion

At present candidates may begin formation for First Holy Communion in School year 3. Church Law says that ‘it is primarily the duty of parents and of those who take their place, as it is the duty of the parish priest, to ensure that children who have reached the use of reason are properly prepared and have made a sacramental confession’ (Canon 914)     At some time during the course of the pre-Easter or Summer Term  the Parish Priest will invite parents to make an application for their child’s first Holy Communion.

To begin the process of preparation, the candidate and at least one parent must have been present at Mass here at Our Lady Help of Christians on a frequent and regular basis for at least a year. Families who worship regularly in another church must present a letter of attendance from the parish priest of that parish. Once an application has been received, parents will be invited for a meeting with the Parish Priest and Catechists in September to become familiar with the process of formation.

Please enclose the Baptism Certificate of the candidate with this application. If the candidate was baptised in this parish, simply provide information re. date of birth, date of baptism, names of parents and godparents.

Only candidates who send in this application form to the above address by end of July will be eligible to begin formation. Before the candidates begin, there will be a course of preparation which at least one parent must attend. Attendance is obligatory at all the sessions for parents and children. If attendance falls below this level First Holy Communion may be postponed.