First Holy Communion – Ballina Parish

The Sacrament of the Eucharist – First Holy Communion

In the words of the Second Vatican Council, the Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life”.

The word “Eucharist” means Thanksgiving. So when Christians celebrate the Eucharist, they are thanking and praising God, in the context of a sacred meal, for all the good things that God has given them, through Jesus.

At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me”. (Lk 22:19) In the same way he took the cup, gave it to them and said: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20) Here we see Jesus sharing his last meal with his closest friends and telling them that he was giving his very self so that they would have life. Every time we celebrate Mass and share Communion we are joined with Jesus and share in his life.

In our parish, First Communion is celebrated when children are in Second Class. Preparation for First Communion is shared by the parish, the school and the family. In school children follow the “Grow in Love” Religious Education programme. The parish preparation programme offers parents and family the opportunity to be involved in their children’s preparation. Parents and children are asked to attend Mass every Sunday with a special emphasis on the children’s preparation at the “Grow in Love” Masses once a month.

Dates for the Celebration of First Communion 2023

SCHOOL	CHURCH	DATE
Culleens National School	St. Patrick’s Church	11am Sat 6 May
Scoil Íosa	St. Patrick’s Church	1pm Fri 19 May
Gaelscoil na gCeithre Maol	St. Patrick’s Church	11am Sat 13 May
Breaffy National School	St. Muredach’s Cathedral	11am Sat 13 May
Quay National School	St. Patrick’s Church	11am Sat 20 May
Behy National School	St. Muredach’s Cathedral	11am Sat 20 May