Preparing for First Eucharist helps us to understand that we are part of a community and that each one of us has different gifts to bring. When we share our gifts, we grow and the community grows. At the end of Mass, we are sent on a mission. The Eucharist gives us what we need to go and announce the Gospel, that is to bring the Good News to others. Receiving the Bread of Life gives us the strength to love and serve like Jesus. We go out with God’s blessing.

This journey is not just for the children and their parents. As a community, we are called to affirm and support each other in our faith. We make this journey of faith together in the shelter of one another – we cannot do it alone. The parents and children preparing for First Eucharist need our encouragement and prayers. At the Last Supper, Jesus asked us to ‘do this in memory of me’. Each group of children who prepare for First Holy Communion help us all to remain faithful to that promise.