First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 2026-2027

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion Preparation Programme 2026-2027

The North Bedford Catholic Community provides a united sacramental programme for the combined parishes of The Holy Cross and Saints Philip and James. This is a very important time for the parents and all the family members. It will be a time of growth in your child’s faith, and in your own faith as you are expected to play an active and leading role in helping your child through every step of the way. The parish will assist you by providing classes for your child and sessions to aid you in helping your child, but you must commit wholeheartedly to this time of preparation and participate weekly in Sunday mass and attend all the classes on the programme with your child.

Dates for the Sacramental preparation Programme:

Saturday, 12th September 2026

Saturday, 26th September 2026

Saturday, 10th October 2026

Saturday, 7th November 2026

Saturday, 21st November 2026

Saturday, 5th December 2026

Saturday, 9th January 2027

Saturday, 23rd January 2027

Saturday, 6th February 2027

Saturday, 13th March 2027

Saturday, 17th April 2027

Saturday, 1st May 2027

Enrolment Masses: Saturday, 10th and Sunday 11th October 2026

Rehearsals: Thursday, 25th February 2027 (SsP&J), Wednesday, 19th May 2027 (SsP&J), Wednesday, 26th May (HC Candidates only), Thursday, 27th May 2027 (SsP&J Candidates only)

Advent Giving Party: Saturday, 28th November 2026 - save the date

First Reconciliation: Saturday, 27th February 2027

Celebration of First Holy Communion Masses: Corpus Christi, Saturday, 29th and Sunday, 30th May 2027

Thanksgiving and Celebration Mass: Saturday, 12th June 2027

If you would like to enrol your child onto the Sacramental Preparation Programme, AD 2026-2027, enrolment forms are available in the narthex of both churches or via the link at the bottom of this page.

Completed and signed enrolment forms must be returned with your child’s original Baptism certificate to Sheila Allen, Parish Secretary, parish.holycross@northamptondiocese.org or by post. The deadline for returning enrolment forms and Baptism certificates is Sunday, 26th July 2026.

Further details of the programme will be discussed and confirmed at the first meeting with parents and children, which will be held on Wednesday, 9th September 2026 in Saints Philip and James Church at 6:30pm.

Any questions please contact the catechist Clare Connolly via email, catechist.holycross@northamptondiocese.org or after Mass.

Fr Alex, Fr Richard, Deacon Crispin, Deacon Tony and our sacramental team look forward to getting to know you and your family better prior to the start of Sacramental Preparation.