first holy communion
Following Diocesan guidelines the age of preparation for children is 7+. Children in Yr 3 and above are eligible to apply to join the programme. Parents remain the primary educators of their children in matters of faith.
The programme begins in the Autumn Term for children and is held in the Parish Centre at St Thomas' Church on Saturdays at 4:30pm. Parents follow up this preparation by helping their children complete the programme workbook, God's Greatest Gift. The work is supported by Catechists from the Parish and is open to all children practicing their faith in the Parish. Children attending non-Catholic schools are most welcome on the programme. Parents will be expected to attend 3 workshops run by Fr Tom on Baptism, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Children are encouraged to explore the many gifts given to them by God and look at how these relate to praise, worship, repentance and thanksgiving in the mass and our everyday lives as Christians. This exploration culminates in the joy of God's Greatest Gift; Jesus His Son and the celebration of the Eucharist.
During the time of preparation we celebrate with 3 or 4 Family Masses. The children lead these masses and their families are encouraged to show their support by attending together with all members of the parish.
First reconciliation takes place during Lent, in a children's Reconciliation Service with individual confessions.
The children receive First First Holy Communion at a Sunday morning mass, usually in early May so that the Parish may actively participate and support them.
Parents looking to enrol their children on the programme should contact Fr Tom during the summer months.
Fr Tom can be contact on 01634 232 972 or email: rainham@rcaos.org.uk
The programme begins in the Autumn Term for children and is held in the Parish Centre at St Thomas' Church on Saturdays at 4:30pm. Parents follow up this preparation by helping their children complete the programme workbook, God's Greatest Gift. The work is supported by Catechists from the Parish and is open to all children practicing their faith in the Parish. Children attending non-Catholic schools are most welcome on the programme. Parents will be expected to attend 3 workshops run by Fr Tom on Baptism, Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
Children are encouraged to explore the many gifts given to them by God and look at how these relate to praise, worship, repentance and thanksgiving in the mass and our everyday lives as Christians. This exploration culminates in the joy of God's Greatest Gift; Jesus His Son and the celebration of the Eucharist.
During the time of preparation we celebrate with 3 or 4 Family Masses. The children lead these masses and their families are encouraged to show their support by attending together with all members of the parish.
First reconciliation takes place during Lent, in a children's Reconciliation Service with individual confessions.
The children receive First First Holy Communion at a Sunday morning mass, usually in early May so that the Parish may actively participate and support them.
Parents looking to enrol their children on the programme should contact Fr Tom during the summer months.
Fr Tom can be contact on 01634 232 972 or email: rainham@rcaos.org.uk
