first holy communion

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith: it is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Pope Francis has called it the “Sacrament of Love”:

The Eucharist is at the heart of ‘Christian initiation’, together with Baptism and Confirmation, and it constitutes the source of the Church’s life itself. From this Sacrament of love, in fact, flows every authentic journey of faith, of communion, and of witness.

First Holy Communion is a big deal for children. It should be for adults too. No matter how many times we have received our Lord in the Holy Eucharist, it should always be a big deal.

What makes it so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time.

Jesus comes to us in a unique way in the Eucharist. When He comes, we receive Him into our body and our soul. This is very beautiful, personal, and intimate and we should not take it for granted!

This is why the first time a family member makes their Holy Communion, it is an exciting event for the whole family. The child preparing for this sacrament is going to be profoundly united with Jesus in a way that they never have before!

It is such a holy, joyful occasion. Our souls become the bride of Christ. That is why girls wear white dresses and boys wear suits. We celebrate and the very act of celebrating reveals our belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

We have a parish-based programme, which recognises the central role of parents in the development of their children’s faith. It explores the many gifts given to us by way of a journey to Reconciliation and the Eucharist.
The preparation programme is only for those children who will be receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion within the Catholic Parish of Ruislip and comprises a series of sessions/classes plus additional activities involving both the children and their parents.

First Holy Communion 26/27
Families are invited to register for the First Reconciliation and Holy Communion Preparation Programme using the form linked here:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/vpW9EkUG6J (2 pages) or use the QR code on the poster on the catechetics board in the porch.
Registration closes on Friday 25th September 2026. PLEASE NOTE: applications after the deadline will not be accepted.

Sunday Groups 2026-27
This is our Parish Religious Education Programme for children who do not attend Catholic Schools.
LITTLE LAMBS: For children in Reception and Year 1.
PRE-COMMUNION SUNDAY GROUP: For children in Year 2 or above who have not received their First Holy Communion. It is a requirement for First Holy Communion Sacramental Preparation that children who do not attend Catholic Schools attend the Pre-Communion Sunday Group.
Registrations: Please fill out an online Microsoft form Little Lambs:https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/xknhhbV4Ww   
Pre-Communion Sunday Group: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/y3NcDXkXaf 
Deadline for registrations is Friday 4th September 2026

For further information please contact danielabourke@rcdow.org.uk ( Catechetical Coordinator).