Registration to express an interest for the FHC programme 2025 is now closed, due to us reaching capacity.

First Reconciliation & Holy Communion Preparation.

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 and best accompaniers of the faith for their children.

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 on offer and support activities and courses in the Parish.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Why are there no classes dedicated to just my children?
The Church teaches that parents the best and first accompaniers of the faith for their children, so this programme aims to support and enable parents to live out this calling. Therefore it is focused on supporting parents to prepare their children to receive the sacraments.

So, what is there specifically for my child?
We believe strongly that all children and young people are just as important as adults in our parish. So we have a dedicated youth ministry which is a very unique offering in our parish and beyond. Fearless, which is our weekly youth group is for school years 3-6, is a wonderful opportunity to meet, make friends and build community with other children preparing for their first Holy Communion, as well as slightly older children who have already experienced it. It is optional to attend Fearless but strongly recommended.
We also have Family Days, which are an essential part of the course (see below).
At most Sunday Masses, there is the opportunity to attend Children's Liturgy, which is the Liturgy of the Word for children. You will need to register for this separately.
During the programme, you will work through family handouts together with your child, sharing what you've explored in the parent sessions.

When does my child meet the priests or learn from the priests?
Every Sunday Mass is an opportunity to learn from and to meet the priests of the parish.

Does my child need to receive First Holy Communion, to be accepted into St Peter's Secondary School, Guildford?
No. St Peter's, as well as All Hallows (Farnham), St John the Baptist (Woking) and St Andrews (Leatherhead) only require proof of Baptism.

Do I need to go to Mass regularly to join this course?
Yes. This is essential! Key to the Children’s preparation for their First Communion is the experience of being part of the parish Community. At most of the Sunday Masses, there is the opportunity to attend Children’s Liturgy, which we ask you to register your child for here. 

What the Programme Involves.

Fearless (Just for children)

Children in Year 3 and above are encouraged to join our weekly youth formation group Fearless, held during term time either in-person from 5.15pm.

​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.

Find out more..

Mass (Bring the whole family)

Families are asked to attend Mass in person weekly.

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

FHC Masses
We will publish dates and open tickets for these only after the Reconciliation Family Day to those continuing on the course.

FIND MASS TIMES HERE

Family Days (for 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.

These are held in person at St Joseph's Church Hall.  These are for you, your FHC (First Holy Communion) child and your family. Feedback from previous years confirms that these are a real highlight of the course. Each of them covers a key area, and you will need to attend them all. 

The Reconciliation Family Day in March, is when children (who will be continuing the course) receive the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time. 

Our Job is to Support You.

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Parents are the first and best accompaniers 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.

ACTIVE PARTICIPATION

While it is understood that circumstances can change and that a family finds themselves sometimes unable to attend Sunday Mass, the Parent sessions or a Family Day – the result is that a child will not be properly prepared. In this situation, it may be appropriate to suggest that a child wait another year to fill in some missed gaps. Please be assured that we want to support you in any way we can, and the catechists and priests are always available to discuss the options if needed. 

FAMILY HANDOUTS (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 the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

Parent sessions (just for parents)

These sessions are just for adults; your child should not attend with you. 
We ask parents to join us for 7 parents’ sessions, which will be held mainly on Zoom. 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.