Dear Parents and Carers, We are delighted to invite Catholic children in Years 3 to 6 to enrol in this year’s parish-based First Holy Communion preparation programme, which includes preparation for both the Sacrament of Reconciliation (First Confession) and the Holy Eucharist (First Holy Communion). To begin the journey, we warmly invite you to a Parent Information Meeting on: Sunday 12th October 2024 at 10:15am in Sacred Heart School Hall This meeting will take place before the 11:00am Mass. It is important that at least one parent or carer attends, as this will be your opportunity to meet our volunteer catechists, find out more about the programme, ask any questions, and understand how you can support your child’s faith journey. Further details about the programme, including what to expect and a list of key dates, are provided on the following pages. Please read this information carefully and ensure your family is available for all the scheduled sessions. You can also find everything online, including downloadable resources, at: www.sacredheartsheffield.co.uk/first-holy-communion If you wish to register your child, please complete the online registration form here: www.sacredheartsheffield.co.uk/FHCRegister Please note that registration is not complete until we have received confirmation of your child’s baptism and the programme fee. The registration deadline is 9:00pm on Friday 31st October 2025. A commitment to faith and family By enrolling your child, you are committing to play an active role in supporting their formation throughout the programme. Regular Mass attendance is a vital part of this preparation. Children are expected to attend at least 15 Masses at Sacred Heart Church between January and June. To help track this, we use a simple Mass stamp card system. After each session, we ask that First Holy Communion families attend the 11:00am Sunday Mass together and sit near the front of church. This allows the children to take part more fully in the liturgy and fosters a strong sense of community. Important Note: Receiving First Holy Communion is not required as part of the application to Notre-Dame School. Thank you in advance for your support, cooperation, and dedication to nurturing your child’s faith. May God bless you and your families, Fr. Michael