Saffron Walden
Our Lady of Compassion
Sacraments
First Holy Communion
The sacrament of First Holy Communion is prepared for in the parish community as directed by the bishop. The sacramental programmes are headed by Patricia Cobby and two teams of catechists.
Each year, children who have reached the age of 8 (as of 31 August) are prepared for First Holy Communion. The programme runs from October to May.
Please bear in mind that for children to be enrolled, they must be observant in the practice of their faith. They must be able to bless themselves and know the basic prayers, Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be. They must attend Mass on a regular basis and be known to Fr John. If the family attend Mass in another parish, then they should enrol their child in that parish to receive the Sacraments.
Applications for First Holy Communion must be made through Fr John, parish priest, who will then pass it on to appropriate catechistic team. Once the children’s names have been collected, parents will be sent letters with the dates of the classes and what is expected of them.
The programme (downloadable timetable below) consists of:
- 15 one hour classes (Saturdays)
- 2 parents' evenings (October & March)
- Mass of Inception (Mid October)
- Sacrament of Confession (Mid March)
- Sacrament of Holy Communion (Mid May)
At the Mass of Inception the children will receive a certificate, enrolling them onto the programme and the parish get the chance to see them so that they can remember them in their prayers. There will also be a group photo of the children which is put up at the back of the church to remind parishioners that the programme is happening. Parents will be asked to give consent for their child to be included in the photo (consent form below).
Enrolment for First Holy Communion 2011
Parents who wish their child to receive First Holy Communion in May 2011 should get an application form from Fr John Garrett or print off the application form below and return to Fr John (please note that an application does not guarantee enrolment):
Contact details: Patricia Cobby (01799 501478)
Documents for download