The Sacrament of Holy Communion

The Sacrament of Holy Communion

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 Preparation


We are delighted that you are considering First Holy Communion for your child and are pleased to welcome families to the preparation programme at St Philip Evans.


Who is this for?

The programme is open to children who:

  • Are currently in Years 3–6, and
  • Have not yet received First Holy Communion.

Families are warmly welcomed, and no previous involvement beyond regular Mass attendance is required.


Programme details

The preparation course runs for five weeks after Easter.

Start dates

  • Tuesday 14 April 2026
  • Saturday 18 April 2026

Session times

  • Tuesdays at 6.00 pm
  • Saturdays at 4.15 pm

Each session lasts approximately 30–45 minutes.


Mass attendance

Children taking part in the programme are expected to attend Mass each weekend for the duration of the course, as part of their preparation for receiving the sacrament.


First Holy Communion Masses

First Holy Communion Masses will be celebrated over two weekends:

  • 23 & 24 May 2026
  • 30 & 31 May 2026

Further details about Mass times will be shared with enrolled families nearer the time.


Enrolment

To enrol on the course, please collect a form from Father Keith after Mass.

Updates and enrolment information will be shared via the parish newsletter, which is available online:

👉 Newsletters


Questions?

If you have any questions about First Holy Communion preparation at St Philip Evans, please get in touch via the parish office.

👉 Parish Office


We look forward to walking with your family as your child prepares for this special step in their faith journey.

First Holy Communion catechesis works best when parents are involved, since you have the primary responsibility, and privilege, of teaching the Faith to your children.


Each session of our course will consist of input for both parents and children, with the parents then going through additional work with their children during the week.


It is therefore vital that parents attend every session, as well as bringing their children to Mass every Sunday. This may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, we will equip you sufficiently to teach your children what they need to know.

First Holy Communion

We are pleased to invite families at St Philip Evans to prepare their children for First Holy Communion.


Who can join?

The course is for children in Years 3–6 who have not yet received First Holy Communion.


When are the sessions?

The course runs for five weeks after Christmas.

Sessions take place:

  • Tuesdays at 6.00 pm
  • Saturdays at 4.15 pm

Each session lasts around 30–45 minutes.

The course begins on:

  • Tuesday 6 January 2026
  • Saturday 10 January 2026


Mass attendance

Children taking part are expected to attend Mass every weekend during the course.


First Holy Communion Masses

First Holy Communion Masses will take place over two weekends:

  • 23 & 24 May 2026
  • 30 & 31 May 2026


Enrolment

To enrol on the course, please collect a form from Father Keith after Mass.


Questions

If you have any questions, please contact the parish.

We look forward to welcoming your family.

First Holy Communion catechesis works best when parents are involved, since you have the primary responsibility, and privilege, of teaching the Faith to your children.


Each session of our course will consist of input for both parents and children, with the parents then going through additional work with their children during the week.


It is therefore vital that parents attend every session, as well as bringing their children to Mass every Sunday. This may seem daunting at first, but don’t worry, we will equip you sufficiently to teach your children what they need to know.