One of the seven Sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church.
A Gift from God for our Salvation; Holy Communion is one of the "three" sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation and the Eucharist.
First Holy Communion
Who can prepare for First Holy Communion?
Any baptised Catholic child can be admitted to the Sacraments of Confession (Reconciliation) and Holy Communion as soon as they are mature enough to receive these sacraments and have been properly prepared.
To receive Holy Communion, a child must have made their First Confession, and recognise that what they are receiving is something holy – it is the Body of Jesus Himself.
To make a valid Confession, a child has to have an understanding of the difference between right and wrong, and what it is to be sorry for making a wrong choice. A typical child will be able to do this around the age of 7
If your child has not yet been baptised, or was baptised in another Christian tradition but now wishes to become a Catholic, you will need to apply for this, and we will prepare them as an integral part of the First Communion Course.
If there are children in Year 7 or above to be presented for First Communion, special age-appropriate arrangements will need to be made.
Children who belong to Eastern/Oriental Orthodox Churches may also receive Holy Communion at St Philip Evans, at the age normal in their own tradition, due to our shared understanding of this Sacrament.
Can you prepare my child to take First Communion elsewhere?
If parents wish a child to make First Communion elsewhere after following the preparation scheme in St Philip Evans, permission letters can be issued for children who have attended Mass and the parish course regularly.
Can my child prepare elsewhere to take First Holy Communion here?
If another parish is willing to accept your child on to their preparation programme, or if you can demonstrate that you have personally prepared your child to attend Mass with reverence and understanding every weekend, then once the preparation is complete, you can apply for First Communion in this parish without attending the St Philip Evans course.
First Holy Communion - Spring 2026
The next First Holy Communion sessions will be taking place after Christmas. Easter. Sessions are open to all current Year 3 - 6 pupils who have not yet received their First Holy Communion.
Sessions will run on Tuesday's from 6pm and Saturday's from 4:15pm. The sessions will typically last between 30-45 minutes. All sessions are for children & their parents in will be held in the church.
Sessions begin on Tuesday 6th January or Saturday 10th January for 5 weeks at the times above. Children will need to attend mass every weekend during the duration of the course.
First Holy Communion dates will be spread over two weekends, the 14th/15th February and the 21st/22nd of February.
To enroll on a course, please collect a form from Father Keith after Mass. Please indicate whether you will be attending Tuesdays or Saturdays and your preferred First Holy Communion date.
If you have any further questions then please email Teresa (the parish secretary).
