First Holy Communion Programme

SCHOOL – HOME – PARISH

First Holy Communion is a very special moment in a child’s journey of faith, as they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. We look forward to accompanying children and families in the Clontarf/Dollymount parishes as we prepare for this joyful celebration together. The preparation for First Holy Communion is a shared journey between the school, the home and the parish. Through this programme, children and their families are invited to grow in faith, deepen their understanding of the Eucharist and experience the joy of belonging to the Christian community.

HOME

Families are the primary educators of their children and play an important role in preparing children for First Holy Communion, making space for faith, prayer and reflection in their home and family life.

  • Home Preparation Programme – An engaging and exciting resource designed for children and parents to experience together. Through a combination of audio storytelling, discussion and prayer, families will be invited to share a short, enjoyable moment together to reflect on their faith.
  • Prayathon – A simple family novena in the days leading up to First Holy Communion, giving families an opportunity to pray together for the children and for the celebration ahead.

PARISH

  • First Holy Communion Parent’s Group – A voluntary opportunity for parents to help with the preparation of the special Masses and become more involved in their children’s sacramental journey. Meets the week before each of the five Preparatory Masses, in the evening.
  • Preparatory Masses in the Parish – Five special Masses throughout the year as part of the children’s preparation for First Holy Communion.
  • Eucharistic Adoration for Children – Half an hour Eucharistic Adoration specially prepared for the children and their families – An opportunity to spend some time with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
  • Corpus Christi Procession – The First Holy Communion children will take part of this procession with their families on the feast of Corpus Christi, dressed in their First Holy Communion clothes, to celebrate Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist.
  • Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation – A special celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as part of the children’s preparation for First Holy Communion. Parents are welcome.
  • Celebration of First Holy Communion – The celebration of First Holy Communion will take place in the Parishes of St Gabriel’s and St Anthony’s. The families are invited to this joyful occasion.

 SCHOOL

  • Preparation in the School – Faith formation and sacramental preparation through the Grow in Love programme.
  • Visits to the School – Visits from the parish priest to support the children’s preparation and to strengthen the connection between school and parish.
  • Parish Catechesis – Catechesis in the parish for children who do not attend Catholic schools, and for those who would like to avail of additional catechesis.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

While these last activities are not formally part of the First Holy Communion programme, we want the children to feel welcome and participate in parish community activities. For example:

  • Children’s Stations of the Cross: An opportunity to lead the stations of the cross on Good Friday, especially prepared by and for children.
  • Christmas Mass: An opportunity for the children to participate in a short reenactment of the Nativity and to sing during the Mass.
  • Choir and music – opportunities for children to sing at parish masses and celebrations.
  • Readers and other ministries – opportunities to read at Mass, bring gifts and welcome parishioners.

 

If you have any queries, feel free to contact us:

Teresa Menendez
Faith Development Worker
Clontarf St Anthony’s, Clontarf St John’s, & Dollymount St Gabriel’s Parishes
M: (085) 872 0111
[email protected]

Have you listened to the Parish Podcast episode on First Holy Communion Preparation?

Preparations for First Holy Communion were showcased on Episode 1 of Pareach, our Parish Podcast, where three of our young parishioners reflected on this great mystery of our faith and described how they look forward to the day that they would receive Jesus in the Eucharist. We hope that you enjoyed this episode of our podcast. For more episodes of our podcast, click here.