The Sacrament of the Eucharist
In the greatest sacrament, the Eucharist, Christ does not just give us his gifts, he gives us himself, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity, to bring us closer to God.
Children's First Holy Communion Preparation
A child’s preparation for their first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion is a very important stage on their journey of faith. Parents and carers are the main teachers of faith to their children, and our priests and catechists want to support parents and carers in their faith.
When and where does the preparation programme take place?
Preparation sessions take place at St Richard's in Chichester and families are invited to register for the programme from whichever church they worship at.
St Richard's, Chichester
Preparation takes place in St Richard's Church on Saturdays, followed by coffee and cake. Full details of the dates for this year's programme in Chichester are here:
Preparation takes place in St Richard's Church on Saturdays, followed by coffee and cake. Full details of the dates for this year's programme in Chichester are here:
How do I enrol my child for the preparation programme?
Registration for the 2025-26 programme in Chichester has now closed.
When can my child make their first Holy Communion?
Our first Reconciliation and first Holy Communion programme is open to children in school Year 3 and above.
Children participate in the programme to learn about their faith and then they make their first Holy Communion at the end of the programme, in early Summer.
Children participate in the programme to learn about their faith and then they make their first Holy Communion at the end of the programme, in early Summer.
What happens during the sessions?
We use a programme called Growing Up Catholic. It gives parents/carers the opportunity to teach their own children and discuss their faith with them, with support and guidance from catechists.
