Sacrament of Initiation – Source and Summit of the Christian Life
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”
John 6:51
What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the entire Christian life. In this sacrament, Christ himself is truly, really, and substantially present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity – under the appearances of bread and wine. The celebration of the Eucharist, the Holy Mass, is the very heart of the Church’s life.
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages and to entrust to the Church a memorial of his death and resurrection.
The Real Presence
The Catholic Church teaches that at the consecration during Mass, the bread and wine are truly changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. This change is known as transubstantiation. While the appearances of bread and wine remain, the substance is wholly converted. Christ is present whole and entire in each species and in each part of them.
The Mass
The Holy Mass has two principal parts that form one single act of worship. The Liturgy of the Word includes the readings from Sacred Scripture, the homily, and the prayers of the faithful. The Liturgy of the Eucharist encompasses the preparation of the gifts, the Eucharistic Prayer with the consecration, and Holy Communion, in which the faithful receive the Body and Blood of the Lord.
Receiving Holy Communion
Catholics who are properly disposed – that is, in a state of grace, observing the required fast, and conscious of no grave sin – are warmly encouraged to receive Holy Communion at every Mass. First Holy Communion is a particularly joyful occasion, typically celebrated when a child reaches the age of reason (around seven years of age), following appropriate catechesis.
Our Programme
The Catholic Parishes of Aylesbury offer an annual catechetical programme, Growing Together in Faith, preparing children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (First Confession) and First Holy Communion. This programme is open to children from all three of our parish churches.
The programme is led by our dedicated catechetical team, supported by the parish clergy. We ask that families be actively involved in their child’s preparation, attending Mass together each week and supporting their child’s learning at home.
Registration for First Holy Communion 2026–27 is now closed. Applications will open again next year.
Requirements
- Children should normally be in Year 3 (age 7–8) or above.
- Your child must be baptised a Catholic (a copy of the certificate is required).
- Regular Mass attendance as a family is expected throughout the programme.
- At least one parent or guardian must attend the first parents’ meeting and the parents’ meetings held during the year.
- Parents are asked to support their child’s preparation at home, including the homework set for each lesson.
- If a child misses three or more lessons, it will not be possible to complete the preparation that year.
Key Dates 2026–27
Lessons are held on Saturdays, 10:30am–12:00pm, at Our Lady of Lourdes, and run roughly two weeks on, two weeks off through term time.
- First parents’ meeting — Saturday 7 November 2026, 10:30am–12:00pm, Our Lady of Lourdes hall
- Lessons begin — Saturday 14 November 2026
- Registration/donation due — by 21 November 2026
- Reconciliation lesson (practical, with Fr Jais) — Saturday 13 March 2027
- Final lesson — Saturday 22 May 2027
- Corpus Christi procession — Sunday 30 May 2027
- First Holy Communion rehearsals, with parents’ meetings — Saturdays 5 and 12 June 2027, 10:30am–12:30pm
- First Confession for children (parents, time permitting) — Saturday 3 July 2027, 10:30am–1:30pm
- First Holy Communion Masses — Saturdays 10 and 17 July 2027 (times to be confirmed)
Lesson dates are subject to change; additional parents’ meetings will be arranged as needed. Families receive the full schedule and any updates through the family portal.
What the Children Learn
The programme covers thirteen lessons, including God’s love and creation, how God speaks to us, who Jesus is, sin and forgiveness, the seven sacraments, the parts of the Mass, the Ten Commandments, Reconciliation, the Eucharist, receiving Holy Communion, prayer, and living like Jesus. Several lessons are practical, held in church.
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 21 November.
No child is ever excluded for reasons of cost. If this amount would be difficult for your family, please speak to us in confidence.