First Holy Communion

First Reconciliation and Holy Communion
Registrations for 2026 are now closed.

Welcome to First Reconciliation and Holy Communion Preparation!

Thank you for your interest in preparing your child for First Reconciliation and Holy Communion. This is a joyful and sacred step in their faith journey, and we’re honoured to walk alongside your family.

Our program is for children who are baptised Catholic and are in Year 4 or older. It includes two parts that run together:

• Adult Formation: A space for parents and caregivers to grow in faith. Life can be wonderfully full, and we often pour our energy into helping our children grow in faith but forgetting to nourish our own. This part of the program offers you a chance to deepen your own relationship with Jesus and reflect on your faith.
• Children’s Program: A gentle and engaging preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.

• • The first phase focuses on Reconciliation, which is received before First Holy Communion.
  • The second phase guides children toward receiving the Eucharist with understanding and reverence.

To support your child’s preparation, we encourage regular prayer at home, completing simple homework activities together, and attending Sunday Mass as a family.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Anna Abraham, our Coordinator of Sacramental Ministries, at sacramental@qop.nz.

What is First Holy Communion?

First Holy Communion—also called the Eucharist—is one of the three sacraments of Christian initiation, alongside Baptism and Confirmation. The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving,” and it is the heart of our faith.

In the Eucharist, we believe that Jesus is truly present—Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. Through the mystery of transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the real presence of Christ, nourishing us spiritually and drawing us closer to Him.

Receiving the Eucharist unites us with Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross and with one another as the Body of Christ. It’s a sacrament of unity, love, and grace.

Because of its sacred nature, we prepare to receive the Eucharist through prayer, learning, and regular confession. It’s a beautiful invitation to grow in faith and to experience God’s love more deeply.