The word ‘Eucharist’ evokes thanksgiving – inspired by God’s gift of Grace. It is associated with the priestly prayer at the heart of the Mass, just before those present receive Communion.
The reception of Communion is open to those who are part of the church family from the age of seven upwards.
Our parish has an annual First Holy Communion Programme which prepares young children (aged seven or over at the start of the programme in the autumn) for the reception of Communion at a special Sunday Mass usually held in May or June after six to eight months’ preparation. Details of the programme are attached below.
For older people wishing to be baptised (and confirmed, if you are aged 13 or over), the reception of Holy Communion will be central to the practice of your Faith – hence the programme of preparation for the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RICA), which is normally available in the parish for those new to the Faith from the age of thirteen or over. Please click here for details of the RCIA.
The St Benet’s First Holy Communion Programme
Our programme follows the published ‘I Belong’ book which is suitable for all children aged over seven years.
It covers approximately 12 Sessions, which those enrolled should be committed to attending, accompanied by a parent or sponsor.
The candidates are encouraged to explore various aspects of the programme at each session, with discussion, games, readings, stories, individual art work and prayer.
During the same sessions, the attending sponsors have the opportunity to explore their own understanding of each of the topics, in group conversations. The aim of this is to equip parents with the confidence to further explore any questions the children may have about the subjects covered, once at home.
The programme is loosely structured around the Parish monthly Family Masses, which all participants and their families are encouraged to attend. On each occasion candidates are invited to take up a more active role within the mass, including Readings, leading Bidding Prayers and participating in the Offertory Procession. This is an opportunity for children to take an active role in services and integrate themselves further into their Parish Family.
Anyone interested in enrolling in the next programme should contact the Parish Priest for further details.
St. Benet's Minster Catholic Church, Beccles 