Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples. “Take it and eat.” he said, “this is my body.” Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he handed it to them saying, “Drink from this, all of you, for this is my blood, the blood of the covenant poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Matthew 26: 26-28

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism, are configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation, participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. CCC 1322

The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life'. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesial ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented owards it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whol,e spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. CCC 1324

Finally, by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all, CCC 1326

Tuesday, 3rd February - 7.00 pm

Parents' information session about the preparation programme in The John Paul II Centre. Please note that all children attending non-Catholic schools need to complete an enrolement form and bring it along to the meeting. MEETING CANCELLED

Sunday, 8th February - 9.00 am Mass

Introductory Rite of Presentation for the Sacrament.

Saturday, 18th April - 9.00 am

At The John Paul II Centre, an opportunity for parents to understand more about the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Saturday, 25th April - 9.00 am

Practice for First Holy Communion in the church.

The Sacrament itself will be celebrated at the 11.00 am Mass on Sunday, 10th May and sunday, 17th May.

As well as attending on the dates above, all children going to non-Catholic schools need to attend classes on the following dates held in The John Paul II Centre between 9.00 and 10.00 am.

• 24th January
• 28th February
• 7th March
• 14th March
• 21st March

First Reconciliation and Holy Communion application form (PDF file will open in a new window)

What the Catechism of the Catholic Church says.

New Advent.

Rite of reception for those to be admitted to receive their first Holy Communion.

Please note that attendance at the introductory rite and all the above meetings and classes are a requirement for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.