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Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
by Betsy Vernon
Our Cathedral Reconciliation and First Holy Communion family led sessions, started in November for the latest intake of young children (aged 7 to 9) following the preparation programme along with their parents who attend each session. We follow the diocesan programme Growing Up Catholic growingupcatholic.com) which has many online resources and even regular, encouraging messages from Pope Francis.
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There are 2 sets of 6 sessions – one for Reconciliation and the other for First Holy Communion plus a visit to the Poor Clares’ Convent in the summer before they make their First Communion in May and then lead the Corpus Christi procession in June with their communion breakfast and Going Forth Mass in late June. The
group have a number of First Holy Communion Sunday Masses where the 9.15am Choir sing and the children go up to the altar for Canon David’s Homily. Look out for their photographs andplease pray for them and their families. There are 15 families involved this year.
It is very much a family affair with the parents, or adult family members (sometimes grandparents) supporting their young child(ren), on their spiritual journey now and
throughout the coming year.
The group meet approximately once a month supported by three experienced Catechists, Carmel Morison, Stephanie Hawkey and Betsy Vernon, who leads the programme. Betsy says, “it is wonderful each year to see the children grow and develop their knowledge and understanding of their faith. It is a time also for their parent(s) to revisit theirs and journey
with their child(ren) together”. In February, Children make their First Confession at a Reconciliation Service and an open confession where their parents take them up to Canon David and a visiting priest, introducing their child and June their First Holy Communion – such a memorable day and we know you all can relate to that when you made your First Holy Communion.
Canon David is involved throughout the year with his very down to earth and pragmatic approach to supporting the young people’s and their families’ spiritual journey. It is a real team approach
supported greatly by Louise (cathedral secretary), Mike (caretaker) and Jenny, his wife who supplies rosaries, books and bibles to use with each year group. The 9.15am Mass’ Music Group with Monica Clifton and Pat d‘Avray on the piano and organ (she also plays at the Reconciliation Service).
