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 to prepare children for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (First Confession) and First Holy Communion. This programme is open to children from all 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 regularly and supporting their child’s faith journey at home.
For any questions about the programme, please contact the parish office.
Registration
To register your child for the First Holy Communion programme, the following is required:
- Your family must be registered with the parish.
- A copy of your child’s Catholic baptism certificate.
- A completed registration form, available from the parish office or from the Documents section below.
- All forms should be returned to the parish office by the registration deadline (announced each autumn).
Requirements
- Children should normally be in Year 3 (age 7–8) or above.
- Regular Mass attendance as a family is expected throughout the programme.
- At least one parent or guardian must attend the mandatory introductory meeting (date announced each October).
- Parents are asked to support their child’s preparation at home with the provided materials.
Programme Overview
The preparation programme runs from October to June and includes:
- Weekly catechesis sessions (typically Saturday mornings or after-school)
- Parent workshops and faith-sharing evenings
- An enrolment Mass at the beginning of the programme
- First Reconciliation — usually celebrated in the spring term (March–April)
- First Holy Communion — celebrated in late May or June
- A retreat day before First Communion
Exact dates, times, and locations are confirmed each year once registrations close.
Programme Contribution
A contribution of £35 per child (or £30 per child for two or more siblings) is requested to cover the cost of materials, candle, certificate, and resources. Payment should be included with your registration form.
What to Bring
- Child’s baptism certificate (original or certified copy)
- Completed registration form
- Programme contribution