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Fr Joseph answers a few FAQs…

 

Is this the First Holy Communion (FHC) Programme?

Yes… and no! If you want the parish to help you prepare your child for their first Confession & Holy Communion, then this is the place to come. But it’s not just a programme focussed on those Sacraments. It’s aiming to build up the life of faith for the whole family.

 

What is the age range for Family of Faith?

Most children who receive their First Holy Communion (FHC) are in Year 3. But children can come along in Year 2, to get ahead early… and we hope they will want to keep coming back in Years 4 and 5, to continue growing in their faith.

 

Do the parents have to stay too?

Yes, at least one parent is expected to attend each session along with their child. You, as parents, are the first and most important teachers of your children in the ways of faith—not the church or school! The adults have a separate space to talk together and support each other in how to nurture the faithlife of the whole family.  

 

What happens at Family of Faith?

We gather, and share some refreshments. The children go to a separate space for games, crafts, and to learn about the day’s topic. The adults, separately, have their own input and discussion. At the end, we come back together for a final prayer, and then we all go into Mass together at 11am, where the children will be included in the liturgy as much as possible.

 

When and where does Family of Faith take place?

This year (2025/6), we are going to try moving Family of Faith to a new home at St Gregory’s church. We will gather from 9.15am, and then move into the 11am Mass. It’s a bit experimental, because there won’t be as much space as at our Parish Centre. However, St Gregory’s is such a family-friendly church and Mass, and the 9am at St Osmund’s is rather crowded, so we think it’s worth a try.

 

When does my child make their First Communion?

When they’re ready. Family of Faith is not a course or a programme with a fixed beginning and end. Each child is unique, and their faith will blossom at different times. Some children may be ready very quickly; others may take a bit longer for everything to click into place. So rather than have one fixed day where the whole group receives Communion at the same time, we say: tell us when they’re ready, and you can choose any day you like. Of course, a group of children may well want to make their Communions together, which is very beautiful, so we suggest a few suitable dates through the year. That way, whenever they’re ready, you can either pick the first available “group” day, or “go solo” on a day of your choosing.

 

Who decides when my child is “ready”?

You do, as parents. Along with your child, of course! The parish would expect the family to have been part of Family of Faith for at least a year, and to have attended at least 12 sessions. But when it comes to readiness, you are in the best position to know when your child is ready. You’re primarily responsible for their education and formation in the faith; you will hopefully be talking to them about it often through the year, and will be able to notice when they begin to deepen their interest, understanding, and desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. To help you, we lay out a few simple guidelines of what to look for, such as—

• The family has got in the habit of coming to Mass every Sunday.
• The child is attentive, knows what the Eucharist is, & desires to receive Communion. They also know their basic prayers & Mass responses.
• The parents talk about God to their children, and the family prays together at home.

Nothing complicated!

 

I’ve already been through Family of Faith for one year, and/or other FHC programmes before that. Do I have to come again??

We hope you will want to :) The more we learn about our Faith, and come to know the Lord Jesus more deeply, the more we realise how much there still is to discover! We will vary the sessions each year, so it won’t feel repetitive. And if you are truly a “veteran”, then we really need your help in leading the sessions and discussions—so please join us on the team!

 

What are the dates of Family of Faith for the coming year?

Autumn Term

• 28^th Sep (Introduction to new families)
• 12^th Oct
• 26^th Oct
• 9^th Nov
• 23^rd Nov
• 7^th Dec

 

Spring Term

• 11^th Jan
• 25^th Jan (Parish Retreat weekend)
• 8^th Feb
• 1^st March
• 15^th March

 

Summer Term

• 12^th Apr
• 26^th Apr
• 10^th May
• 7^th Jun (Corpus Christi procession)
• 21^st Jun
• 5^th July

 

Have any further questions about Family of Faith, or First Communion?

Great—please let me know. Email me at: [email protected]

 

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