Preparing to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion for the first time can be one of the most memorable experiences parents share with their children.

The FHC programme in Guildford aims to support and enable parents to live out their calling as the first teachers of the faith for their children.
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The objectives of the programme are to:

• - Support parents in preparing their children to receive the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.
• - Encourage greater openness to having conversations of faith at home.
• - Integrate families into the wider parish community.
• Integrate the children into an ongoing youth programme.
• - Encourage parents to engage with other formation and support activities and courses in the Parish.

Joining the 2021 programme

Anyone with a child in year 3 or above, who is involved in the life of the Guildford Catholic Parish, may enrol on the First Reconciliation and Holy Communion programme 2021. Please read below carefully details of the programme on offer in the Catholic Parish of Guildford.  We look forward to your application.

​If your child is registered on the parish database and is in year 3 you will have received an email inviting you to sign up.

If your child is registered on the database but is in year 4, 5 or 6 and you would like to join the programme, just send us a message using the contact form below and we'll send you the information you need.

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DEADLINE for signing up: Friday 11th December 2020

FAQ's
What is there specifically for my child?
Fearless, which is optional and family days, which are an essential part of the course. Also each week we produce a Family Liturgy, which you can watch at home and is a great way to share faith together.  During the programme, you will work through family handouts together with your child, sharing what you've explored in the parent sessions.

Does my child need to receive First Holy Communion, to be accepted into St Peters?
No.

Do I need to go to Mass regularly to join this course?
Regularly attending Mass is the best preparation for receiving the sacraments.  So if going to Mass weekly is not part of your regular practise you should look at how you can make it an important part of your week.  Due to the current situation you may not feel comfortable attending Mass at the church, although you are welcome to sign up here but you can always join the Mass via the live stream .   ​

What the programme involves

​Parents are the first and best teachers in the Faith and they are guided through the preparation by the Children, Youth and Families Team to give them the tools and confidence to pass on the faith to their children.

​Please be aware that due to the pandemic situation, things may be a little different this year.  Below is an explanation of the main elements of the programme, we will endeavour to make sure that your families experience is as rich and fruitful as usual but due to the changing circumstances things may need to be different to previous years.  If you think it would be best for your family to to wait till next year, when things may be able to return to normal, then please do feel free to.

FEARLESS

just for children

Children in Year 3 and above are encouraged to join our weekly youth formation group Fearless, held during term time via zoom from 4.30-5.30pm.

​We have found that children preparing for First Holy Communion particularly benefit from joining Fearless as it really helps to grow their faith and integrate into the community with their peers.

MASS

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY

Families are encouraged to attend Mass weekly, either via the live stream or by signing up to attend Mass in person.  There are a range of times to choose from.

Taught Mass
Towards the end of the programme, there is a taught Mass.  Different aspects of the Mass are explained, while Mass is celebrated.

FAMILY DAYS

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY

These are fun ways to dig a bit deeper into the faith and teaching of the church. The hall is decorated beautifully and families explore the different interactive stations together in their own time.
​The activities run all day so families can book a time that suits them and stay for as long or as little as they like. We even have a café offering yummy treats!

FAMILY HANDOUTS

FOR PARENTS & CHILDREN

At the beginning of the programme you will be sent 7 colourful, engaging handouts to work through each month with your child.  The content on the handouts is covered at the parent sessions.
The handouts are a great way to begin conversations about faith at home & to prepare for Holy Communion.

PARENT SESSIONS

just for parents

We ask parents to join us for 7 parents’ sessions, which will be held on zoom this year. At these sessions we will go through the story we would like you to share with your child at home giving you an opportunity to reflect on the topics with your peers first.
It is essential that a parent or guardian for each child attends each of these meetings