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Eucharist

"A Gift of Love, A Sharing in Christ’s Sacrifice."

Welcome to the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the heart of our Catholic faith. The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is a profound encounter with Christ’s love, where we are united with Him and with one another. In this sacred sacrament, we receive Jesus Himself, who nourishes our soul and strengthens us to live out His love in our daily lives.

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Programme

The programme, based on the I Belong book, consists of 12 sessions over 6 months, guiding children toward the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Communion.

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Children must be baptised and capable of understanding the fact that they are receiving not ordinary food but the Body and Blood of Christ, and can receive the sacrament with reverence. Normally, First Holy Communion is made when the children are in Year 4 at school or above.

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Applications for the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Programme are now being received. If you are either a parishioner of our parish or you worship here regularly, then please complete the Registration Form.

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The Closing Date for applications is Friday 8 November 2024.

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Note: If an older person has not made their First Holy Communion and wishes to do so, it might, depending upon their age, be appropriate for them to join those preparing for Confirmation or reception into the Catholic Church. Please contact Ceci Li, Parish Faith Formation Coordinator, for more details.

What is the Eucharist?

As Jesus said, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35)

The Eucharist is a sacrament of communion and thanksgiving. Through the consecration of bread and wine, they become the Body and Blood of Christ, a miraculous transformation that connects us with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. This sacrament is a reminder of God’s boundless love and a call to share that love with the world.​

First Communion Preparation

Receiving the Eucharist for the first time, or First Holy Communion, is a special milestone in the journey of faith. It is usually celebrated by children around the age of seven, but adults who are joining the Catholic Church may also prepare for this sacrament.

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Our Parish offers a preparation program to help individuals and families understand the importance of the Eucharist. This program includes:

  • Catechism Classes: These classes guide participants through the teachings of the Church on the Eucharist and help them grasp the beauty and mystery of the sacrament.

  • Parent & Child Sessions: For children, we involve parents in the preparation journey, creating a shared experience of faith that strengthens family bonds.

  • Retreats and Rehearsals: In the lead-up to First Communion, we offer retreats and rehearsals to deepen understanding and prepare spiritually for the day.

Receiving the Eucharist at Mass

The Eucharist is offered at every Mass, allowing parishioners to receive this sacred gift regularly. Here’s what you need to know about receiving Holy Communion at Mass:

  • Who Can Receive? Catholics who have been baptized and are in a state of grace are invited to receive the Eucharist. Those who have committed grave sins should first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

  • Guidelines for Reception: You may receive the Eucharist either on the tongue or in the hand. If you are unable to receive communion, you are still welcome to participate in Mass and may come forward with arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing.  

  • Fasting Before Communion: We are required to abstain from any food or drink (with the exception of water and medicine) for at least one hour before Holy Communion.​

Eucharistic Adoration

Beyond Mass, we invite you to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration, a quiet time of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. It is a beautiful opportunity to reflect, pray, and grow closer to Christ’s presence. Eucharistic Adoration is held at various times across our churches. Please refer to the Mass Schedule for details. All are welcome to come and experience the peace of being in the presence of Jesus.

  • What if one parent isn’t Catholic?
    We warmly welcome families from all backgrounds. At least one parent should be committed to raising the child in the Catholic faith.
  • How many godparents can we choose?
    The Church requires at least one Godparent but it is common to have two – one male and one female. Godparents must be practicing Catholics, confirmed and at least 16 years old. Additional friends or family members who are baptized Christians can act as honorary godparents or "witnesses".
  • Is there a cost for Baptism?
    There is no fee for receiving Baptism. It is normal for the priest to be offered a donation (“stipend”) and our Parish asks for a contribution towards expenses. However, no-one will be prevented from receiving Baptism for financial reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Join Us at Mass

Experience the beauty of the Eucharist and allow this sacrament to transform your life. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, the Eucharist is a precious gift waiting to renew your heart. Join us at Mass and be nourished by the love of Christ, who calls each of us to live in His grace.

“Let us draw near to Christ, who is present in the Eucharist, and find in Him the strength to carry our cross and the joy to follow Him.”

Contact Us

If you have questions about receiving the Eucharist or would like to enroll in our First Communion preparation program, please reach out to our Faith Formation Coordinator, Ceci Li at ceci.li@dioceseofnottingham.uk or Parish office at  0115 981 4271. We look forward to sharing in this sacred journey with you.

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