The Preparation Course for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is open to children in Year 3 and above and is an important milestone in your child’s faith journey.
Upcoming Course Details:
The 2026 Reconciliation and First Holy Communion has now finished.
Applications for the 2027 programme will open on 1st September 2026. Application forms and dates will be listed on this page in late August.
What to Expect:
- Parent-Child Sessions: Our programme is designed for both parent and child to experience together, as we believe that parents are the first and best educators of their children. Our goal is to offer practical support and meaningful opportunities to help guide your child through the preparation for these important sacraments. The course provides a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to sit together, reflect and share your faith in a supportive environment.
- I Belong Books: The Course will follow the ‘I Belong’ book, which guides Children through the different elements of The Mass, providing understanding and meaning to The Liturgy.
Course Fee:
There is a course fee of £10, which covers both the I Belong book and parish-produced materials. If this presents a financial challenge, or if you have more than one child enrolled, please reach out to LJ
Programme Timeline (Provisional for 2027):
1st September 2026: Applications open for the 2027 programme
October 2026: ‘Family chats’- An opportunity for us to meet you and your child personally before the programme starts. During these chats, we will provide all relevant information about the programme. These are bookable 15 min slots, dates tbc.
November 2026 to June 2027: Workshops will be held once a month on Saturday Mornings from 9.30-11.30am, for both child and parent, in the parish hall. Please arrive by 9.20am to ensure a prompt start.
Parent-only Sessions: There will be two dedicated sessions for parents only: one focussing on Reconciliation and the other on The Eucharist.
Mass Attendance: Regular Mass attendance is mandatory throughout the programme and we invite the FHC children to write a prayer for the offertory basket each week to show their attendance.
For children who attend non-Catholic schools:
We also operate an additional Programme that operates in conjunction with the main programme. This is specifically designed for those Children who do not attend Catholic Schools. These Sessions are run by our Lead Catechist, Teresa Lawrence-Hyde. The Programme journey’s through the Liturgical year exploring the high points and the Liturgical seasons. These Sessions take place fortnightly on Wednesdays, 4.30- 5.30pm.
For all Sacramental enquiries, please contact our Sacramental Coordinator, LJ at: ljross@rcdow.org.uk