Sacraments | First Holy Communion

What is First Holy Communion?

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is the Eucharist, which we receive at Holy Mass and which we believe is the real physical and spiritual presence of Jesus Christ. As Catholics, we take Jesus at His word when He says ‘This is my body, which is given for you’ (Luke 22:19).

‘When we receive Holy Communion, we receive our joy and our happiness ... The good God, wishing to give Himself to us in the Sacrament of His love, gave us a vast and great desire, which He alone can satisfy.’ St John Vianney

How can my child receive First Holy Communion at St Patrick’s?

Children begin preparation for the reception of their First Holy Communion when they are seven years old. Since St Patrick’s church is not attached to a school, First Holy Communion sessions take place within the parish. They occur weekly and start in the autumn term.

Please contact the parish office for more information.

More Sacraments

Baptism

Baptism is a Sacrament of faith, and the Church asks for a serious and loving commitment by the parents and godparents of a child to live the life of the Sacraments. Catholics who belong to the parish need to approach the parish priest.

Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, we receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, knowledge, right judgment, understanding, courage, piety, and fear of the Lord. In this way, the sacrament of Confirmation completes the Sacrament of Baptism.

Confession

Confession is the Sacrament in which we receive forgiveness from Christ. We repent and confess our sins, and are absolved of sin through the ministry of a priest, who acts in the person of Christ.

Marriage

The Sacrament of Matrimony is a vow of love made before and through God and the Church and therefore we need to approach it with reverence and awe. God has fashioned this Sacrament to show forth His love and to bring life into the world.

Holy Orders

It is through the Sacrament of Holy Orders that men are ordained to be priests for the service of the Church. To become a priest requires a strong sense that this is your calling in life and then preparation through years in training for the priesthood in seminary.

Anointing of the Sick

The Sacrament of the Sick is administered normally in situations of the immediate prospect of surgery, for those who are significant of age, or those in danger of death.

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