First Holy Communion

Dear Parents and Carers,

We welcome children and their families to our program for the Sacrament of Eucharist:

• Year 4 St Columba's students
• External candidates undertaking their preparation at another school
• Children participating in the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)

St Columba's Parish candidates will be prepared for the Sacrament of Eucharist, including the teaching of the Religious Education curriculum. Content covers:

• People gather to celebrate
• Jesus celebrates with others
• The Eucharist began with the Last Supper
• Holy Communion unites people with Jesus in a special way
• The Liturgy of the Eucharist is the central part of the Mass
• People live a Eucharistic life

We look forward to sharing this important faith journey with you.

Father Nino

Parish Priest

• Year 4 Teachers
• Assistant Principal - Jesse Yock
• Catechist Coordinator - Helen Sisto

• All children receiving the Sacraments must attend the Enrolment Mass with a parent.

• Sacramental enrolment forms are handed into classroom teachers no later than one week before the Enrolment Mass.
• PREP children and external candidates hand the Enrolment Mass forms into the Catechist Coordinator.

• One parent from each family to attend.

• Runs for approximately one hour.

• At the Church.

• Facilitated by 24:7 Ministry.
• Held in St Columba's Kalyara Mia (undercover area) within school hours from 9 am to 3 pm.
• PREP children and external candidates to be dropped off and picked up at St Columba's front office.
• Children wear sports uniform, including hat.
• Bring morning tea, lunch and drink bottle.

• All school candidates have Reconciliation at school before the Mass.

• PREP children and external candidates will need to go to Reconciliation with their families.

• Student rehearsal begins 9 am at the church.
• Runs for approximately one hour.
• PREP children and external candidates to attend.

• Reflects the importance of the ceremony and should not take away from its meaning.

• Smart trousers and a collared shirt for boys.

• Traditionally, girls wear a white dress.

• Children receive Holy Communion with their families, followed by the congregation.

• Walk up reverently with hands together.

• Bow as a sign of reverence.
• Place hands left over right.
• Respond to 'The Body of Christ' with 'Amen'.
• Place the host into your mouth.
• Avoid chewing with an open mouth.
• Walk off reverently.
• Kneel at your seat and say a thank you prayer.
• Those not receiving Holy Communion are welcome to receive a blessing.

• Certificates are presented to candidates at the end of Mass.

• These certificates are valuable documents. Please keep them in a safe place as the school cannot re-print copies.