FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND RECONCILIATION PREPARATION 2026/27

REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLMENT
To enrol in the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Programme, candidates must:
 Be baptised in the Catholic Church
 Submit Application Form by 12th of September, with a copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate
 Be in Year 3 or above (or at least 7 years old)
 Attend Mass regularly with their family
 Participate fully in all preparation classes and activities
 Have at least one parent or guardian committed to supporting the child throughout the
programme. Parents play an essential role in preparing their child for the Sacraments and in
nurturing a Catholic foundation within the home. The Parish sacramental programme is
intended to support and build upon that foundation.

Please note: First Holy Communion sessions will be held on Sunday mornings at both Holy Name,
Esher, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Thames Ditton. Attendance at all sessions is mandatory, as they form
an essential part of the sacramental preparation process.

Families wishing to enrol their child in the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Programme
are asked to apply by the 12th of September. Late applications will not be accepted. This enables
the parish to estimate participant numbers, plan programme support, share key information with
families, and confirm eligibility requirements before registration.

Once your Application Form and supporting documents have been reviewed by the parish, you will be
emailed with the response by the 18th of September. If you are accepted into the programme, you
will be sent the Registration Form together with the programme schedule, important dates, and
further preparation information for the course.

Please Note: Application Form submissions do not guarantee automatic acceptance into the
programme. As preparation for these important sacraments is rooted in active participation in our
worshipping community, it is unlikely that someone who is not already a regular member would be
ready to celebrate either sacrament at this time.