Parish First Communions
by Deacon Michael Kennedy
After all the uncertainties of the previous year, the parish could begin once more preparation for the celebration of the Sacraments. On 6th June, the preparation sessions for the Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation began with 32 Children and their catechists meeting in three groups on a Sunday afternoon. The children were using a new Programme, devised in the Diocese of Leeds called Heart Speaks to Heart. They followed the journey of two twins, Jess and Ryan, who along with their Grandfather joined their local parish for Preparation for this wonderful Sacrament. The Journey took them through the exploration of Forgiveness and Sorrow and God’s wonderful gift of the Sacrament of Reconciliation which they then celebrated for the first time on 11th July in a service in the Church. It was a most joyful occasion.
The next Week, 18th July the Children began the next part of their Sacramental journey as they began their preparation for the Celebration of First Holy Communion. Once again they used the new course Heart Speaks to Heart, and following a similar format they were introduced to the various parts of the Mass and also how we are nourished and fed by Jesus in the Eucharist. Over the weekend of the 9th/10th October we celebrated two wonderful First Holy Communion Celebrations, one led by Fr Peter and the other led by Fr Hugh. The celebrations continued the Following Sunday in a special Going Forth Mass on 17th October celebrated by Fr Anthony. At this Mass the children were given the example of Blessed Carlos Acutis as a young person who had a special love for the Eucharist, a modern day saint, someone they could use as a role model. After the Mass a celebration party was held, parents bringing cakes and other goodies to share.
The parish is indebted to the Communion Catechists, Sandra, Diana, Sister Breda, Gulia, and Bro Ste for their hard work with the Children and for the support of the parish clergy.
Congratulations to all our Children on their First Communion- the first of many encounters they will now have with Jesus in the Eucharist.
We now look forward to the Children in the current Year 3 coming forward for the next Preparation Journey, which will begin for them in January.
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