Sacrament of Eucharist for Children
(First Holy Communion for Children)
Overview
The Sacrament of the Eucharist, also known as First Holy Communion, is one of the three Sacraments of Christian initiation—following Baptism and Confirmation. It is a special moment when children receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ for the first time, deepening their spiritual life and welcoming them fully into our Catholic community.
Program Overview & Eligibility
Children in Year 4 and above and has completed Confirmation and First Reconciliation are invited to participate. This program is designed with your child and family in mind, offering gentle preparation, faith formation, and opportunities for reflection.
Preparation Process
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Enrolment: not yet available
Preparation: Families will take part in a short series of sessions—typically held at the parish—where children prepare with their parents or guardians. These sessions include faith-filled discussion, simple Scripture reflections, and hands-on activities to make the meaning of Eucharist understandable and memorable.
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Celebration: First Holy Communion will be celebrated during a parish Mass, fostering a sense of joy and belonging as children receive Christ’s Body and Blood for the first time.
Why It Matters
The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith. It is both a gift and a mystery, drawing us closer to Jesus and to one another in the Church.
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian life.
It is the sacred banquet where Christ is truly present, the memorial of His passion, death, and resurrection, which nourishes us with His Body and Blood.
“In Holy Communion, Jesus gives Himself to us. He feeds our hearts with His love and helps us grow closer to Him.”
In the Eucharist, we believe in the Real Presence of Christ.
Through the miracle of transubstantiation, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus, drawing us into deeper communion with Him.
“The bread and wine are no longer just bread and wine — they become Jesus Himself, who comes to be with us in a very real way.”
Receiving First Holy Communion is a step into the heart of the Church.
As children share in the Eucharist for the first time, they enter more fully into the life of the Church and receive the grace that strengthens and unites us as God’s family.
“When you receive Jesus in Communion, you become part of His big family, the Church, and He gives you strength to live as His friend every day.”
Next Steps & Questions
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Keep an eye out for enrolment forms available May/June 2026.
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If you’d like more information about the program or how you can help your child prepare, please reach out to the Parish Office, or view the full Sacramental Program PDF linked below.
To download:
- 2026 Sacramental Program click here (PDF 195.2KB)
- First Communion Enrolment Form (not yet available)
Kindly note that First Holy Communion is offered for those in at least Year 4 and has completed Baptism, Confirmation and First Reconciliation.
DIARY DATES for 2026
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION (Eucharist):
Enrolment forms due Wednesday 17 June 2026
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Wednesday 1 July
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7pm-8pm Information evening (Parents only)
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Venue: OLOR Cathedral
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Parent & Child sessions:
(School holidays 6-17 July )
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Wednesday 22 July
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7pm-8pm Session 1: Bread of life
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Venue: TLOCC- OLOR end
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Wednesday 29 July
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7pm-8pm Session 2: This is my Body
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Venue: TLOCC- OLOR end
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Wednesday 5 August
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7pm-8pm Session 3: God’s Word
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Venue: TLOCC– OLOR end
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Wednesday 12 August
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7pm-8pm Session 4: Eucharist
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Venue: TLOCC- OLOR end
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Wednesday 19 August
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7pm (rehearsals)
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Venue: OLOR Cathedral
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First Holy Communion Mass
Sunday 30 August - OLOR Cathedral at 9.30am Mass or 11am Mass
** Changes to the celebration of the Sacraments:
Bishop Anthony Randazzo has made adjustments to the age of children receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Broken Bay.
Read more at: https://www.bbcatholic.org.au/news-events/latest-news/bishop-randazzo-announces-change-to-the-celebration-of-the-sacrament-of-confirmation
