In September 2009 we began our first year of the Parish based preparation programme for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion - ‘Do This In Memory’. This programme encourages the parents/ guardians, and the wider parish community to become actively involved in preparing the children for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
Do This in Memory highlights the importance of the Sunday Eucharist as a celebration where we gather, are nourished by the Word and the Bread of Life, and are sent forth to live the Gospel. It also acknowledges the home as the most important and significant place where the faith of our children is nurtured, nourished and sustained.
Parents meeting together
Four parents meeting are held during the year:
1st meeting: Introduces the programme and is an opportunity to discuss their role in preparing their child for the sacrament.
2nd meeting: Discusses the sacrament of reconciliation, what it means to them and suggestions on how to help them prepare their child to receive this sacrament.
3rd meeting: Provides an opportunity to discuss how parents feel the programme is going and to focus on sharing experiences and thoughts on the Eucharist.
4th meeting: Provides an opportunity to feedback on the programme and run through the practicalities surrounding the Holy Communion Mass.
Celebrating the Mass
Much of the preparation takes place once a month, from September to June, during the 10.30am parish Sunday Eucharist. It then continues in the home through the use of activities and resources for both parents/guardians and children.
The first Mass dedicated to the children preparing for Holy Communion is the enrolment Mass where the children and their parents/guardians are presented to the parish community and invited to participate in the programme and renew their baptismal promises. They are also presented with a candle which isblessed and which the children take home to light during their own family prayer time. The children are encouraged to bring their candle to Mass on each Sunday of the programme and place them in the Sacred Space, where they remain lit during the Mass. The lighted candle acts as a reminder of God’s presence in our lives and is a very visible sign of the connection between home and church.
During the monthly Masses of the programme, each family takes it in turn to take responsibility for an aspect of the Mass such as the readings, bidding prayers, lighting the children’s candles, and the offertory. The children preparing for the sacrament are invited to sit on the sanctuary floor to listen to the homily.
At the end of each Mass, the parents should collect a copy of the ‘Grapevine’ newsletter to take home. This reminds the families of the theme of the Mass just attended and encourages them to reflect on it. It also provides guidance to parents to help them prepare their child for the next Sunday of the programme. Each month the ‘Grapevine’ Newsletter focuses on a different Mass response. Accompanying the ‘Grapevine’ is a ’Kids Stuff’ worksheet for the children to complete.
As a parish we hope that the experience of being at a Mass where the children are acknowledged, where their candles are lit, their voices heard, their songs sung will help them to feel at home in the Church, to feel that they belong and are welcome.
The Sacred Space in church and the Prayer Space at home
This is a space created in the church dedicated to the sacramental preparation. During the year it is prepared by the parents of the children preparing for first Eucharist and is a reflection of the programme throughout the Church’s calendar year. It provides a focal point for the children, their families and the whole community during their preparation.
Each child, together with their family is encouraged, at the start of the programme, to create a prayer space in their own home similar to the Sacred Space in Church. We hope that this provides a focal point where the family has gathered, light their candle and pray and reflect together.
Children’s sessions
To support the children in their preparation and as an opportunity to bring the children together, children’s sessions are held. The sessions focus on explaining what a sacrament is, the sacrament of reconciliation, and the meaning of the Mass and receiving the Eucharist.
The children are split into small friendship circles each led by a catechist. This provides an opportunity to explain, discuss, share ideas, and pray together.
Holy Communion Fun Day
In January the children currently on the programme and those who had made their Holy Communion the previous year are invited to a Fun Day held in the Centenary Hall. Starting the afternoon with the Lord’s Prayer, the children participate in drama and games before sitting down to a lovely tea party with their friends kindly prepared by the parents and catechists.
Once lunch is over, the children, (and adults!) continue to be entertained with more fun & games, and sometimes a magician. These days have proved to be a great success. It is especially lovely to unite last years Holy Communion candidates with the current year and for them to continue feeling part of the parish community following their first communion.
Selection of Photos from the Fun Day
Tour of the church
At the Sacred Heart we are particularly lucky to have such a beautiful church in which to attend Mass in. As part of the programme it was felt that it is important for the children and their families to understand what the statues, paintings and objects which they see weekly are and their meaning. A tour of the church is organised where small groups of parents and children are given a short talk on the different parts of the church. Following this, the children are given a short questionnaire and are encouraged to wander around with their family and explore the church whilst trying to find the answers to the questions.
A small selection of photos From the First Holy Communion Days
The Holy Communion Breakfast
The First Holy Communion children were invited to wear their Communion outfits again on the Feast of Corpus Christi. During the Mass the children received their certificates. This was followed by a special communion breakfast in the Centenary Hall organised by the parents and catechists. The whole parish community was invited to join the children in this celebration.
Sacraments 
