Registration is now open for our First Holy Communion programme 2026–27. Children from all three of our parishes — Our Lady of Lourdes, St Joseph’s and St Clare’s — are warmly invited to begin this journey of preparation.
Growing Together in Faith
Over thirteen Saturday lessons, our catechist team will help your child come to know Jesus more closely, understand God’s unconditional love, and prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist with reverence, confidence and joy.
This is very much a journey for the whole family. Alongside the lessons, we ask families to attend Mass together each week, to pray together at home, and to help their child with the homework set for each lesson.
How to register
Registration is online this year, and takes about five minutes. You will need your child’s full name and date of birth, a photo or scan of their Catholic baptism certificate, and details of any allergies or medical needs.
Registrations close on 7 September 2026.
Key dates
- First parents’ meeting — Saturday 26 September 2026 (time to be confirmed)
- Lessons begin — Saturday 10 October 2026, 10:30am–12:00pm
- First Holy Communion Masses — Saturday 22 May 2027 (times to be confirmed)
- Corpus Christi procession — Sunday 30 May 2027
Lessons run roughly two weeks on, two weeks off through term time. The final timetable — including lesson times, the number of groups and which church each group meets at — will be confirmed after registration closes on 7 September, once we know how many children are taking part. All registered families will be emailed the confirmed schedule.
A new family portal
New this year, once a registration is approved, the family receives access to an online family portal. There you will find each lesson with its readings, videos and activities, the homework for each lesson (which can be handed in online), the full schedule, and a question board where you can ask the catechist team anything.
Registration / donation
A registration/donation of £30 per child (or £25 per child for additional siblings) is requested to cover the cost of the course books, materials, candle and certificate. This is payable at the first parents’ meeting and no later than 17 October.
No child is ever excluded for reasons of cost. If this amount would be difficult for your family, please speak to us in confidence.
Questions?
Email the catechist team directly at fhc@aylesburycatholic.uk, or call the parish office on 01296 290545. You can also read more on our First Holy Communion page.
Please keep our children and their families in your prayers as they begin this preparation.