Religious Education & Faith Life

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION CELEBRATION

Over the weekend, our parish community at St Helena of the Holy Cross Church reverently celebrated the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. Our students received this sacred sacrament during the Saturday evening Mass at 6:00pm and again at the Sunday morning Mass at 9:30am, alongside students from Emmaus Catholic Primary School and Holy Cross College. Further First Holy Communion Masses will be celebrated this coming weekend at the same times.

First Holy Communion is a deeply significant sacrament in the Catholic Church. It is the first time that a child receives the Eucharist, the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Through this sacrament, students are invited into a closer relationship with Jesus and the life of the Church, nourished by His presence and love. It is a moment of great reverence, joy and spiritual growth.

We extend our sincere gratitude to Father Bona for leading the celebrations and guiding our students through this sacred milestone. We also thank our Parish Sacramental Coordinator, Hannah Wager, for her dedication, organisation and support in preparing the children so beautifully for this important step in their faith journey. 

Our students have prepared thoughtfully for this sacrament. This included participating in a retreat, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and engaging deeply in their Religious Education Units of Work. It has been wonderful to see all students across the school learning about the Eucharist and developing their understanding of its importance. We would like to thank the Year 4 teachers for all the support and guidance they have provided our students in the lead up to receiving the sacrament. 

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the students who have received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion. They approached this sacred occasion with reverence, maturity, and a deep sense of faith, making it a truly meaningful celebration for all who attended. We are incredibly proud of the way they embraced this important step in their faith journey and the example they set for others in our community. We look forward to celebrating our students who will receive this sacrament this coming weekend. 

We would also like to sincerely thank our parents and guardians for their ongoing support and commitment throughout their child’s sacramental journey. Your guidance, encouragement, and faith-filled example play a vital role in nurturing your child’s spiritual growth. We are grateful for the partnership we share with you in accompanying these young people as they deepen their relationship with God and the Church.

A special mention goes to our Year 6 students, who demonstrated kindness and leadership by writing thoughtful cards to congratulate those receiving their First Holy Communion. This gesture reflected the strong sense of community and faith we are so proud of in our school.

We keep in our prayers the students who will be receiving their First Holy Communion in the coming weekend:

Loving God,

Bless these children as they prepare to receive You in the Eucharist. 

Fill their hearts with joy, faith and love. 

May they always know You are with them, guiding and strengthening them in all they do.

St. Helena, pray for us. 

St. Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us.

Amen.