The Christian life begun at baptism is nourished by receiving Christ in the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The first time a child receives Holy Communion is an important moment in his or her life: we prepare for it carefully and celebrate it joyfully.
A few months before receiving Holy Communion for the first time, children will celebrate the Sacrament of Penance (“First Confession”) when they bring their sins before the Lord and receive his mercy.
Catholic primary schools in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle work very closely with parents and the parish in which they are located in preparing children for the Sacrament of Penance and First Holy Communion. Usually these sacraments are celebrated in year 3 or 4 (ages 7-9).
St Cuthbert’s parish does not have its own primary school, but is served by various schools in nearby parishes, principally the Parish of the Durham Martyrs. Children from St Cuthbert’s parish attending a Catholic primary school normally make their First Communion along with their school classmates in the parish to which their school is linked.
If your child isn’t at a Catholic school, or for whatever reason has missed out on First Holy Communion, then we will make arrangements for him/her to be prepared for the sacraments. Typically preparation would begin around Christmas, with the the celebration of First Holy Communion in May or June. Get in touch with us using the form below, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
If you are an adult who has missed out on receiving Holy Communion, please see our page on Becoming a Catholic.