Holy Communion
First Holy Communion Preparation Dates
1st Preparation Mass (Welcome) - Saturday 22nd October, 2022 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
2nd Preparation Mass - Saturday 12th November, 2022 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
3rd Preparation Mass - Saturday 3rd Decemeber, 2022 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
4th Preparation Mass - Saturday 14th January, 2023 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
5th Preparation Mass - Saturday 11th February, 2023 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
6th Preparation Mass - Saturday 11th March, 2023 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
7th Preparation Mass - Saturday 22nd April, 2023 - 7 PM (St Martin's NS & Scoil Maelruain JNS)
8th Holy Mass - Post First Holy Communion - Saturday 10th. June, 2023 - Solemnity of Corpus Christ
The celebration of First Eucharist is a sacred and important moment on a long journey of faith development. Together with Baptism and Confirmation, it opens the door to full membership of the Christian community. At the ceremony, each child receives Holy Communion, normally in the form of a small round piece of bread placed by the Priest in the palms of their hands.
First Holy Communion 2023 Dates
St Martin's - Saturday 6th May, 2023 - 11 AM
Scoil Maelruain JNS - Saturday 13th May, 2023 - 10 AM & 12:30 PM
Holy Rosary School - Saturday 20th May, 2023 11 AM
Glenasmole NS - Saturday 27th May, 2023 11 AM
Most children receive their First Communion when they are seven or eight years of age because this is considered the age of reason. This means that most children are usually in second class in school when they make their First Holy Communion. In order to receive communion the recipient should be without sin and in a state of grace. Traditionally, therefore young Catholic children will make their first confession, i.e. the Sacrament of Reconciliation some days or weeks before receiving their First Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Baptism must also have been received before receiving the First Communion