Before your child can make the first Holy Communion it is necessary to have been given some instructions about what is involved. In Ireland it is usual for this basic instruction to be given in schools.

It is important that what is being taught at school and at home are in harmony.

As a parent it is worthwhile asking to see the school’s Communion programme and finding out how you can help your child.

Very often schools will invite you along to one or more meetings before the First Communion day. Though the basic Catholic belief in the Eucharist hasn’t changed over the years, how it is put over to children today may well be very different from the way it was put over to you or your parents

Ideally the best preparation for the Eucharist is taking your child to Mass regularly and helping your child understand what it is all about.

If there is a children’s Mass then take your child to that and encourage him or her to participate.

Encourage your child to pray. Teach a few, simple prayers.

Pray with your child daily, perhaps at bedtime. Its particularly good to encourage children to talk to God & to Jesus in their own language, talking as they would to a friend.