The sacrament of Holy Communion or the Eucharist is one of the three sacraments of initiation (the others being Baptism and Confirmation). While the other two Sacraments confirm our membership of the Catholic Church, Holy Communion nourishes us in our spiritual life.

In this sacrament, we remember what Jesus did for us in his life, death and resurrection. We remember particularly the last Supper when Jesus transformed the bread and wine into his own precious body and blood. It was on this night that the Sacrament was instituted.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion

In the sacrament of First Holy Communion candidates receive the Body of Christ for the first time. It is the practice of the Archdiocese of Sydney that children receive their First Holy Communion in Year 3 or above. Candidates must be baptised and have received the sacrament of Reconciliation.

The Parish Based Program at Holy Innocents’

“For the administration of the Most Holy Eucharist to children, it is required that they have a sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and can receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion” (Canon law 913)

Children from a variety of schools come together to learn and celebrate as a united Parish community. We follow the Sydney Archdiocese preparation program. Children and at least one parent must attend group preparation sessions. In these sessions, the children, with the support of their parents will be given thorough catechesis on the meaning of sacrament. Content is reinforced by the teachers and catechists in our schools. The children must also attend a commitment Mass, a reflection afternoon and rehearsals.

The 2024 First Holy Communion Program

In 2024 we are running a combined program for the Sacrament of First Reconciliation & First Holy Communion. The program is a year-long commitment.
It will commence on the weekend of 24/25 February. Our Parish Priest, Monsignor Henryk, requires parents to commit to the following:

➢ Weekly Mass attendance preferably at the 10am Mass each Sunday. This commitment will commence on Sunday 25th February (Commitment Mass) and end on Sunday December 1st (Thanksgiving Mass).
➢ Weekly homework to be submitted the following weekend at Mass.
➢ Stamping of attendance passports at the conclusion of each Mass by a Parish leader.
➢ Attendance at all four preparation sessions and completion of at-home activities.
➢ Teaching and encouraging children to participate in family prayer at home.
➢ Participation in the Corpus Christie Street Procession to be held on Sunday the 2nd of June following 10am Mass.
➢ Attendance at all Centenary events for the Parish.
➢ Attendance at a Thanksgiving Mass for the child’s First Holy Communion to be held at 10am on Sunday 1st December.

Registration

If you have already completed the First Reconciliation Program in 2024, there is no need to re-register. If your child has completed First Reconciliation in another year or at another Parish, please refer to the First Reconciliation Page to enroll. Please contact Suzanne Miceli for further information. [email protected]

First Reconciliation Program Dates  (Draft Dates – Subject to Change):

First Holy Communion for Adults

Adults, who wish to receive this sacrament, please contact the parish office for details.