Thank you for your interest in celebrating the Sacraments at one of our Parishes.

The Sacraments are a wonderful gift to us from God inviting us into deeper intimacy with Him. So that children can gain the full benefit of the experience, the preparation is vitally important. Unlike Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist is a sacrament that can be received as often as one wants, and strengthens us with grace each time it is received. Candidates need to be Catholic, and have made their First Reconciliation prior to receiving their First Holy Communion.

In our Parishes, we have the Sacraments of both Reconciliation and Holy Communion when the child is in Year 3. They are still held as two separate sacraments, and are arranged approximately three months apart. When you register your child for Reconciliation we will assume you are also participating in Holy Communion unless you advise otherwise.

Registrations for 2024 are now OPEN.

The Sacrament of the First Holy Communion will be celebrated at St Thomas, Lewisham on Sunday 2nd June at 10:30am Mass.

Preparation Dates 2024

Info Night on Wednesday 21st February 6:30pm-7:00pm at St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Summer Hill

Sunday 5th May 11:45am-12:45pm at St Thomas Parish Hall, Lewisham

Saturday 11th May 4:30pm-5:30pm at St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Summer Hill

Saturday 18th May 4:30pm-5:30pm at St Patrick’s Parish Hall, Summer Hill

Sunday 26th May 11:45am-12:45pm at St Thomas Parish Hall, Lewisham

Retreat Day – Friday 31st May at St Patrick’s Catholic Primary School, Summer Hill, during school hours.

Cost
The cost per child is $50 which covers both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. We ask for payment via EFT and Parish bank details will be sent to all parents in advance. Please note that no child will ever be denied the opportunity to receive the Sacraments due to financial limitations. Families in difficult financial circumstances should contact the parish office to discuss their situation confidentially.

Dress/Attire
Children are not required to buy special outfits for the Sacrament, however most girls will wear a white dress and most boys will wear dress pants and a long sleeve shirt. A general guide is how they would dress to attend a special occasion. Boys should wear long pants and a shirt with a collar, no jeans, cargo pants or joggers. Girls should wear a dress, knee length or longer, and no midriffs or bare shoulders. More information will be available during preparation.

Photography
Professional photography will be available on the day of First Holy Communion. Orders and payments are handled directly with the Photography company.

How to register your child
A copy of the child’s Baptism certificate is required as well as the permission of both parents. Please complete the attached registration form, to enroll your child.