Our preparation programme for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion is completed for 2018.

Congratulations to the 41 young people who this year received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time on Sunday 17th June 2018!

For adults and older youth, or for more information, please contact:
Kaelyn Graham at ctkyouthnz@gmail.com 
A little about the Christ the King - First Holy Communion and Reconciliation Programme

About the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and Holy Communion

After their baptism the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion are the next steps to taken by young people in our community as they enter more fully into the life of the Catholic Church. 

 Reconciliation  - sometimes called Penance or Confession - is the sacrament by which, through the Grace of God, a persons relationship with God is restored . It is an opportunity for healing and new beginnings and will be a great blessing throughout a persons life. 

In the Sacrament of First Holy Communion a person is initiated into participating fully in our Eucharistic celebration. In the Catholic church we believe when we receive Holy Communion we have the great privilege of receiving the  body and blood of Jesus Christ given for us and all mankind. This Sacrament is the source and summit of our Catholic Faith.

If you are part of our local Catholic community and your child is in year 4 or older this year and they have received the Sacrament of  Baptism, you are invited to consider enrolling them in our First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Programme for 2018. 

(Please note: if they have not been baptised but you still wish them to take part in the sacraments this is still possible but you should contact us for further information.)

Please consider the following before enrolling your child.

  •  Is your child ready? We enrol children from Year 4 but not all children will be ready. Please carefully consider whether your child can cope with the extra work that will be involved. I would be happy to discuss any of these issues with you before the meeting if you feel your child may struggle.
 
  • The programme is done at home involving you and your child working through self-explanatory material together. It does require time and effort for you and your child but is very rewarding.

  • As well as the enquiry meeting you are required to attend Four Parent Meetings, dates for these are on the attached sheet. Our Parent meetings are a required and essential part of the Sacramental programme. We allow plenty of advanced notice for these dates and have made two meeting times so that any necessary arrangements can be made for a parent / carer to attend. Even if you have had a child go through the programme before it is essential that at least one parent / carer or other adult who will be involved in the child’s Sacramental formation programme attend each meeting.
 
  • In line with the teaching of the Catholic Church, you and your child are expected to attend Sunday Mass.  The children’s enrolments will be officially received on Sunday 11th March at the 9am Mass at  Christ the King. Also on three different Sundays during the course of the programme your child will be presented with material and be prayed for.  This is a very special time for all.
 Thank you and God bless on behalf of:

 Fr. Rick Loughnan (Parish Priest)

Kaelyn Graham (Sacramental Programme Coordinator)