Church of the Catholic Parish of Jersey

Catholic Community of Jersey

First Communion

A child’s First Holy Communion celebrates the Catholic child’s second step toward full initiation into the Church.

The Eucharist is the central focus of our Catholic faith, and the involvement of parents in their child’s preparation for receiving this great gift is absolutely paramount.  The Eucharist is the greatest gift that Jesus gave to us – the gift of himself.  The Eucharist is a gift that takes a whole lifetime to open; it is a gift that requires a response from us. That is why it is so special, and why we must take the greatest care to ensure that our children are well prepared.

For detailed information about registration and the preparation  programmes available in our three different areas – east, centre and west - please contact the office manager in the appropriate area.

We hope the information below will be of assistance to you:

• The best preparation for First Holy communion is taking your child to Mass regularly and helping him or her to understand what it is all about.
• Priests, deacons and catechists will organise programmes for the children who are to receive the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion, which run usually from September to May, when  First Communions are celebrated. 
• Parents are required to attend some sessions in the programme to enable them to more fully understand what is expected of them in their important role as parents.  Remember, at your child’s Baptism you, the parents, were told that you “would be the first and best teachers of your children in the way of faith”.
• Whilst programmes across the island do vary, they all feature beautifully illustrated scripture stories to help introduce the children to the Eucharist in the context of the Mass, which we hope will motivate them to build a firm foundation for their initiation into these two important sacraments.
• In order for their child to be eligible to receive First Holy Communion, parents have to register for the programme in either the east, centre or west.  Children need to reach their eighth birthday in the school year in which they wish to receive the sacrament.  If the church where your child will make his or her First Communion, is different from that in which he or she was baptised, parents will need to provide a copy of the child’s birth and baptismal certificates.
• Registration for St Thomas' is now closed  - parents meeting to be advised.  Parents meeting at SMP on 3 Nov at 7.30pm - please register by 19 Oct .  Thank you.