Our Catholic Life
First Holy Communion
We are keeping in our prayers the following children who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion at our parish church this year. They have been taking part in classes ahead of their Reconciliation and are now focusing on preparing to receive the body and blood of Jesus through Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion: A Guide for Parents
As parents, you play a crucial role in preparing your child for the sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is a significant moment when your child will receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ for the first time. In this guide, we will outline how we prepare children for this sacrament at school, using the Diocesan scheme. We’ll also provide practical tips on what to expect on the day and what children should wear.
What is First Holy Communion?
First Holy Communion, also known as the Eucharist, which means "thanksgiving," is when we receive the bread and wine that have been transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. This process is called transubstantiation. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist and invites us to partake in his life and love.
The Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and it is the source and summit of our Christian life. It nourishes our faith, strengthens our bond with God and one another, and empowers us to live as disciples of Jesus. The Eucharist is also a sacrifice, a memorial, and a meal. It is a sacrifice because it re-presents the one sacrifice of Christ on the cross. It is a memorial because it recalls the Last Supper when Jesus instituted the sacrament. It is a meal because it feeds us spiritually and unites us as the family of God.
How do we prepare children for First Holy Communion in school?
First Holy Communion typically takes place when your child is in Year 3. At school, we follow the Diocesan scheme. The curriculum ensures that children are thoroughly prepared to receive the sacraments and helps them understand the significance and importance of First Holy Communion.
We also involve parents and the parish in the preparation process. Teachers and Parish Catechists are here to support both you and your child as you grow in faith. There are opportunities for parents to attend meetings, workshops, and celebrations with their children. Parishioners also play a role by supporting and praying for the children as they prepare for this sacrament.
What do children do on the day of First Holy Communion?
The day of First Holy Communion is a joyful and unforgettable occasion for both children and their families. The children typically receive the sacrament during a special Mass at their parish church. While the Mass follows the usual liturgical structure, it includes special elements to highlight the importance of the sacrament.
Children actively participate in the Mass by reading the Liturgy of the Word, leading the Prayers of the Faithful, presenting the gifts, and choosing the hymns. Before receiving their First Holy Communion, the children receive a special blessing from the priest. They then approach the altar with reverence, say "Amen" as they receive the Host, and return to their seats for a moment of quiet prayer and thanksgiving.
After the Mass, photographs may be taken with the priest, catechists, family, and friends. Children may also receive gifts or cards from loved ones in celebration. There will likely be a small reception, with food and cake prepared by families from the school and parish. Official photos will also be taken after the event, along with a celebration that includes the entire community.
What should children wear for First Holy Communion?
There is no strict rule regarding what children should wear for First Holy Communion, but some general guidelines can help you select an appropriate outfit for your child.
Traditionally, girls wear white dresses and veils to symbolize purity and innocence, while boys typically wear smart trousers, a white shirt, a red tie, and a sash. The outfit should be modest and simple. The focus of this sacrament is Jesus Christ, and the attire should reflect that reverence. Above all, ensure your child feels comfortable and confident in their chosen outfit.
We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you and your child.
Liturgical Year
During the Holy Year, may the light of Christian hope illumine every man and woman, as a message of God's love addressed to all!”
Pope Francis
Jubilee Year 2025
Be a pilgrim with us in the Church Year of Jubilee
In a world that is growing more unjust and unequal, we invite people, schools and communities to experience the joy and strength in coming together as we respond to God’s call for a reset, a renewal of faith and a recommitment to a just world.
The Jubilee prayer
Father in heaven,
may the faith you have given us
in your son, Jesus Christ, our brother,
and the flame of charity enkindled
in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,
reawaken in us the blessed hope
for the coming of your Kingdom. May your grace transform us
into tireless cultivators of the seeds of the Gospel.
May those seeds transform from within both humanity and the whole cosmos
in the sure expectation
of a new heaven and a new earth,
when, with the powers of Evil vanquished,
your glory will shine eternally. May the grace of the Jubilee
reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope,
a yearning for the treasures of heaven.
May that same grace spread
the joy and peace of our Redeemer
throughout the earth.
To you our God, eternally blessed,
be glory and praise for ever.
Amen.
Official prayer from Pope Francis for the Jubilee year 2025, "Pilgrims of hope"
(Taken from - https://cafod.org.uk/pray/jubilee-2025)
Prayer and Liturgy
A sense of special time.
A sense of special place.
The intention of focusing on matters of worth ‘beyond the everyday’.
A sense of occasion.
Times of collective worship are educational, planned learning experiences and contribute to the education of the children, facilitate spiritual growth and respect of each other’s religious beliefs and their practices. This may be done by evoking the sense of beauty, awe, wonder or feelings of pride, pity, sharing or by exploring the spirituality of life and experience. Collective worship has its own place in the curriculum but it is also spontaneous. The RE Coordinators take a lead in promoting collective worship and they help other children to learn the important prayers that will follow them throughout their lives.
Our Daily Prayers
The Sign of the CrossIn the name of the Father
and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
The sign of the cross is both an action and a statement of faith.
Morning PrayerOh my God you love
You’re with me night and day.
I want to love you always in all I do and say.
I try to please you Father
Bless me through the day.
Amen.
Bless us Oh Lord as we sit together.
Bless the food we eat today.
Bless the hands that made the food.
Bless us Oh God,
Amen.
Thank you God for the food we have eaten.
Thank you God for all our friends.
Thank you God for everything.
Thank you God.
Amen.
Heavenly Father I come to say,
Thank you for your love today.
Thank you for my family
And all the friends you give to me.
Guard me in the dark of night,
And in the morning send us your light.
Amen.
Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of Grace, the lord is with thee:
Blessed are thou among women,
And blessed is thy fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary Mother of God, pray for us sinners now,
And at the hour of our death.
Amen
Our Father
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name:
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be doe on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us,
Lead us not into temptation:
But deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Glory be to the Father
Glory be to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning
is now, and ever shall be
world without end. Amen
The doxology is a short expression of praise of the Trinity.
The Apostles' Creed
I believe in God,
the Father Almighty,
Creator of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died and was buried;
He descended into hell;
on the third day He rose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from there He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the Holy Catholic Church,
the communion of Saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting. Amen
The Apostles’ Creed serves as a concise summary of Catholics’ beliefs and the core aspects of the Scripture and God’s teachings.
The Rosary
Watch the video for help- How to Pray the Rosary The full Rosary is made up of four sets of five mysteries. The meditation on each mystery is accompanied by the praying of the Lord’s Prayer, followed by ten ‘Hail Mary’s and one ‘Glory be...’
The Joyful Mysteries
Recited (Monday and Saturday)
The Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38)
The Visitation (Luke 1:39-45)
The Nativity (Luke 2:1-7)
The Presentation in the Temple (Luke 2:22-35)
The Finding in the Temple (Luke 2:41-52)
The Mysteries of Light
Recited (Thursday)
The Baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:13-17)
The Wedding Feast of Cana (John 2:1-12)
The Proclamation of the Kingdom, with the call to Conversion (Mark 1:14-15;2:3-12)The Transfiguration (Luke 9:28-36)
The Institution of the Eucharist (Matthew 26:26-29)
The Sorrowful Mysteries
Recited (Tuesday and Friday)
The Agony in the Garden (Mark 14:32-42)
The Scourging of the Pillar (Matthew 27:15-26)
The crowning with Thorns (Matthew 27:27-31)
The Carrying of the Cross (John 19:15-17; Luke 23:27-32)
The Crucifixion (Luke 23:33-38, 44-46)
The Glorious Mysteries
Recited (Wednesday and Sunday)
The Resurrection (Matthew 28:1-8)
The Ascension (Acts 1:6-11)
The Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-12)
The Assumption (1Thessalonians 4:13-19)
The Coronation of Mary Queen of Heaven and Earth (Revelation 12:1;14:1-5; Isaiah 6:1-3)
Chaplaincy Team
The Chaplaincy Team is made up of one child from each class from Year One to Year Six, known as 'The Beacons'.
We meet weekly with the RE Coordinators. One week we meet and discuss how to maintain the faith of the school and one of us volunteers to lead our meetings with a prayer or a thought for the day. The next week we hold Bible Story meetings. Children from all year groups come and read the Bible in a quiet space or listen to some of our Beacons read to them. We continue this pattern every other week throughout the year.
Our role is the following:
- To help the school to be a community of faith.
- To encourage the pupils to live their faith in daily living.
- To develop good relationships within and beyond the school community.
- To support Liturgy, prayer and the spiritual life of the school.
- To involve pupils in fundraising for charities.
- To continue to develop strong links with the Parish.
- To support the school in its Mission Statement.
We have lots of ideas of how we can fulfil our roles. Here are some of them:
- Organise various charity fund-raising events.
- Suggest ideas for RE resources.
- Help to lead assemblies.
- Work with other Chaplaincy Teams.
- Promote bible stories.
- Maintain our Prayer Area.
We have also thought of how we can work together. The following are our five top tips to help us be a successful Chaplaincy Team.
- Listen to each other’s ideas.
- Communicate with all the team members, school and parish.
- Encourage everyone when making decisions, to share their ideas and to try their best.
- Include everyone when making decisions.
- Lead by example, love everyone especially people you don’t get on with.
If you have any ideas that you wish to share with us then please let us know.
We are raising money with the Catholic Children’s society for those around the world who are less fortunate than us. As Lent is a time where we think of how we can give to other, during the 40 days and nights children will be able to fill up their Lenten boxes with any money to help those in need. For more information on how your donations will be used see their website.
In November, we commemorate and show respect to all those who fought on behalf of our country during the First World War and subsequent wars. We take time to reflect and pray for those who have died and all the veterans that came home. We as Beacons, wished to create a prayer to show our appreciation and love for those on Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday. Please bow your heads in silence as we pray.
Remembrance Day Prayer
Dear God,
We thank you for all of the brave militants that fight and sacrifice their lives for us in wars.
Please pray for the people who have and are experiencing conflict around the world.
Help and guide us to live in peace by following your commandments.
Thank you for being our protector and saviour.
Let us remember all who have lost their dads, brothers and family members to war.
Eternal rest granted unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.