Our Lady & St George Walthamstow

+++

2023/2024 Parish Holy Communion Preparation Programme:

Session 2 is on Saturday 2nd of December at 11:30am. Please be punctual.

+++

First Holy Communion preparation in our parish is conducted for children in school year 3 and above. The programme begins each autumn and runs until the following summer. Sessions are conducted for parents as well as the children themselves, to help ensure that each child is properly disposed. Reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a pre-requisite for First Communion, and children will also be prepared for this as part of the Communion programme.

If you are a non-Catholic adult seeking to enter the Catholic Church, visit the RCIA page, or contact one of the priests to discuss your situation.

"Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed." (John 6: 53-55)

As Catholics, we believe that Holy Communion is not just "bread" and "wine" - it is no mere symbol - but it is the real body, blood, soul and divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ. He is as present in Holy Communion as when He walked the earth. To receive Communion is to receive the Lord into our souls. Thus, we must take great care to ensure we receive Communion with reverence, remembering Whom it is we receive. Click here to listen to a talk explaining the Eucharist.

First Holy Communion Masses

Notes for families :

The children should arrive 15 minutes before their Mass is due to begin
There will be reserved benches for each family. The children are going to be seated at the end of the bench where their family is seated so please leave space for them (at the end near the aisle).
During the Mass, some children will read the First Reading, Psalm and the Bidding Prayers.
During the Mass, some children will take part in the collection of First Holy Communion Boxes.
At the communion time, the children will be ushered forward individually. When ushered, the children walk to the priest with their palms together as in prayer, bow, hold one palm under the other to receive the Body of Christ and when the priest says ‘Body of Christ’ they are to say ‘Amen’ before receiving the communion. They walk back to their seats with their hands together as in prayer, kneel down and pray silently for some time.
When all the children have finished receiving Communion, the rest of the congregation will be ushered forward for Communion in the usual way: first from the benches at each side of the altar, followed by benches either side of the central aisle where children’s families are seated, starting with the front row.
The priest will make an announcement about who may receive Holy Communion. However, it would be very helpful if families can explain to their visitors and guests that non-Catholics and non-practicing Catholics may not receive Communion, but are welcome to come forward for a blessing if they wish to. A person can indicate that they want to receive a blessing by placing their hands on their shoulders (with arms crossed).
At the end of the mass, families are allowed to take photographs at the front of the altar. This will be controlled by the Catechists team. Each family will be given a two minute window, allowing us time to prepare for the next mass. Please be patient while waiting for your family’s turn.

PLEASE NOTE

Families who have visitors who do not attend mass, are asked to give them guidance about the silence and respect which is required for attendance in a sacred place, the House of God.

This includes:

That we do not eat food in church
That children should be supervised
That photography is not allowed during the Mass
That mobile phones should be turned to silent or off
That before the Mass we pray/ reflect silently
All family members must use Sanitizers/face coverings/masks. Children do not need to wear face masks under the age of 12. You may wish your child to wear one which should be removed once seated.
Keep social distancing
There is no exchange of the sign of peace
There will be no hand outs or mass sheets/hymn books etc
There will be no offertory procession of gifts or collection
Communicants may receive Holy Communion, in their hands, palms upwards, one on top of the other as flat as possible. Please note there will be no wine.
Following the rules and regulations of the Government and our Diocese; everyone must be signed into mass. Please note our church capacity is limited to 120 people. We therefore request if you can list out below all the people attending in your Family and attach this with your form.
Please remember to bring your Communion Boxes with you on the day of your Mass

PARKING

Parking in the front garden of the church will not be allowed on the day of the FHC Masses. The church car park can be used. Please ask your visitors to park only in designated spaces in the car park and not to block in other cars in any way.

Upcoming Events

Upcoming Events

First Holy Communion (& Reconciliation)

2023/2024 Parish Holy Communion Preparation Programme:

Session 2 is on Saturday 2nd of December at 11:30am. Please be punctual.

If you are a non-Catholic adult seeking to enter the Catholic Church, visit the RCIA page, or contact one of the priests to discuss your situation.

First Holy Communion Masses

Notes for families :

The children should arrive 15 minutes before their Mass is due to begin

There will be reserved benches for each family. The children are going to be seated at the end of the bench where their family is seated so please leave space for them (at the end near the aisle).

During the Mass, some children will read the First Reading, Psalm and the Bidding Prayers.

During the Mass, some children will take part in the collection of First Holy Communion Boxes.

At the end of the mass, families are allowed to take photographs at the front of the altar. This will be controlled by the Catechists team. Each family will be given a two minute window, allowing us time to prepare for the next mass. Please be patient while waiting for your family’s turn.

PLEASE NOTE

Families who have visitors who do not attend mass, are asked to give them guidance about the silence and respect which is required for attendance in a sacred place, the House of God.

This includes:

That we do not eat food in church

That children should be supervised

That photography is not allowed during the Mass

That mobile phones should be turned to silent or off

That before the Mass we pray/ reflect silently

All family members must use Sanitizers/face coverings/masks. Children do not need to wear face masks under the age of 12. You may wish your child to wear one which should be removed once seated.

Keep social distancing

There is no exchange of the sign of peace

There will be no hand outs or mass sheets/hymn books etc

There will be no offertory procession of gifts or collection

Communicants may receive Holy Communion, in their hands, palms upwards, one on top of the other as flat as possible. Please note there will be no wine.

Following the rules and regulations of the Government and our Diocese; everyone must be signed into mass. Please note our church capacity is limited to 120 people. We therefore request if you can list out below all the people attending in your Family and attach this with your form.

Please remember to bring your Communion Boxes with you on the day of your Mass

PARKING

Parking in the front garden of the church will not be allowed on the day of the FHC Masses. The church car park can be used. Please ask your visitors to park only in designated spaces in the car park and not to block in other cars in any way.