Jesus took some bread and when he had given thanks, broke it and gave it to the disciples saying, “This is my body which will be given for you, do this as a memorial of me.” He did the same with the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant of my blood which will be poured out for you.”
Luke 22:19-20
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. For in the Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself. (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324)
The role of parents
The Church expects that parents will give their children every opportunity to regularly attend the celebration of Mass in the years leading up to celebrating Reconciliation and Holy Communion, so that they have a living awareness of what we believe and celebrate in these sacraments.
The role of our schools
Children who attend a Catholic school are taught the nature of the Sacraments each year in the religious education curriculum according to their level of understanding.
There are two special modules on Reconciliation and Holy Communion in year 4, after which parents may consider if they wish their child to proceed with the celebration of these two sacraments.
Reconciliation and Holy Communion in our shared parish
When parents feel their child has an adequate understanding of these sacraments and a living experience of celebration, they are invited to contact the priest who will outline the final stages of the preparation.