First Holy Communion

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 Alive-O Religious Education programme.

The parish preparation programme offers parents and family the opportunity to be involved in their children’s preparation.

A significant part of the programme will take place at Sunday masses during the year. Parents will be advised of the specific masses to attend with their children.

Programme for Sacraments of First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation in the Brendan Pastoral area.

Mid August – Meeting of Pastoral Team (Priests & Pastoral Ministers) to plan schedule for the year ahead.
Mid August – We prepare all the paper work (printing enrolment forms and letters for each school in the Pastoral Area, Worksheets to be used throughout the year together with readings and prayers of the faithful for use at 6 Sacramental Masses (October to March)
First week of September Enrolment Forms and Letters of Invitation to Parents sent home through schools.
Third week of September meet with Teachers from 2^nd & 6^th Class together with Principals to confirm dates for First Reconciliation, First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
Last Week of September, meet Parents in each Parish. Parents invited to bring their enrolment forms to this meeting.
First Weekend in October, Enrolment Weekend. Children and parents invited to attend Mass in their Parish where enrolment takes place and children are invited to bring a Nameplate to the Altar which will be displayed in the church for the year ahead.
Second week in October, Sacramental Masses start. The Sacramental Masses will happen on the same weekend in each parish. Prior to each Mass, Joan (Birr), Vonnie (Coolderry & Kinnitty) and Tara (Shinrone & Clonlisk) will call to the schools to remind the children that their Sacramental Mass is happening the following weekend and we bring Worksheets, 2^nd Reading & Prayers of the Faithful.
Early February our Pastoral Team run Confirmation Retreats for all the Confirmation Children in the Pastoral Area.
Pastoral Minister liaise with the Teachers regarding First Reconciliation Services, First Holy Communion & Confirmation Ceremonies and assist with preparation of booklets for ceremonies.

First Holy Communion Ceremonies –Saturday 9th May, 2026 @ 11am Crinkill N.S./Killeen N.S & Parish Preparation

First Holy Communion Ceremonies – Saturday 16th May, 2026 @ 11am St. Brendan’s P.S. & Mercy P.S.

First Holy Communion Ceremonies -Sunday 17th May, 2026 @ 9.30am Carrig N.S.

Reflection

God has created me to do Him some definite service. He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have my mission. I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between people. He has not created me for nothing. I shall do good; I shall do His work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place, while not intending it if I do but keep His commandments. Therefore, I will trust Him, whatever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him, in worry, my worry may serve Him. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.” (John Henry Newman)