In days gone by, going to Mass regularly was taken for granted. Both young and old easily identified with the flocks of
people coming to Mass, not only religiously but socially too. This was their community, where they learned to pray
together and become familiar with the truths of their faith.

So the day of First Holy Communion was a red letter day for the entire parish. And the children were “drilled” in what they
had to do, and what it meant. Their procession down the main aisle had a touch of theatre about it, as well as being
shrouded with reverence. Everyone knew that a pattern for the future was being created here. Each child would be there
next week for sure, to receive their Lord again in Holy Communion, and a habit of mind and of heart was put in place. 

That was the way it was. But now times have changed. Some families have little or no contact with the Catholic community
at all. Because they don’t go to Mass, there is no real connection between their child’s experience of the faith and what we call the “celebrating community” which is the Church.  And it is within the community at regular worship that we learn what our faith really means and how to live it.

Because many families these days choose to do other things on Sundays, there is a big danger that First Holy Communion, not to mention all the other key sacraments, could just become a “one off”.  Packing the church for one big special First Communion Mass is all very nice, but it means precious little if this is a child’s only experience of the Church-at-Prayer. Would this unfamiliar setting encourage a child to come back? Would it help a child to be able to say “This is my
own special community”? Would the big “one off” First Communion Mass bring home the message that this was just the beginning of a habit of mind and practice that would grow and develop the whole life long? 

In the light of this, our bishop encourages parishes throughout the diocese to celebrate First Holy Communion in a way
that will not be just a “one off”. As well as having sessions of preparation involving the parents in the lead-up, the day of
First Holy Communion itself will be much more valuable and no less special if it is more integrated with the regular
community Mass.

So in our parish of Frenchs Forest, First Holy Communion is celebrated across the 3 church communities over 3 weekends
in the month of June. We will do our best to make sure that this is an unforgettable experience for each child and a red letter day both for the family and for all parishioners. We hope that this will encourage a child to begin receiving Holy Communion on a regular basis.  And this will ensure the ongoing health and vitality of the Church for the generations to come.

For more information please contact the Parish Office.