In our school and parish, we are currently celebrating a significant faith milestone for our Year 3 students as they prepare to receive their First Holy Communion. We deeply appreciate the importance of this sacrament, both for the students and their families, and for our parish community. As Catholics, we view this sacrament as a crucial step in welcoming individuals into our faith community. Alongside Baptism and Confirmation, receiving the Eucharist marks the beginning of their full participation in our vibrant and global Church.

Through the First Communion program, students learn that receiving the body and blood of Jesus is a profound celebration of Christ’s real presence in the bread and wine, as well as within the gathered community. This moment is a joyful occasion, marked with pride and special symbols of celebration.

Pope Francis underscores the significance of the Eucharist, stating:
"Let us pray that participation in the Eucharist may always be an incentive to follow the Lord every day, to be instruments of communion, and to share what we are with Him and with our neighbour. Our life will then be truly fruitful."

The Pope reminds us that the Eucharist is a gift from Jesus, and the First Communion of our children is a celebration of the grace and strength it imparts.

In this troubled world, we are more in need of people of Christian values and actions than ever. In communion with Jesus and with each other, then, we pray for increased capacity to reach out and be the people that God has called us to be for the world. The First Communion of our children is a time for reflection on what the beautiful sacrament of the Eucharist truly means for each of them but also for our neighbour, near and far.  

We extend our heartfelt blessings to all our first communicants and their families. May they experience the profound joy of receiving Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time and may this sacrament inspire a lifelong love of Jesus and a deep, enduring joy in their faith.

Congratulations to the following students: Lynn E, Pedro F, Ted F, Ivy F, Elliot G, Sofia H, Hudson I, Juliette I, Marta O’D, Amelia P, Oliver W, Evie W, Levi C, Andre C, Liana Di S, Samuel J, Joshua M, Maggie M, Jaxson M, Hurley M, Ari O’B, Jacob S, Sebastian T and Ava Y.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to Mrs. Checkley, Mrs. Carey Barr, the St. Brigid's staff, and Father Bernard Gordon. Their unwavering support and dedication throughout the preparation process have been invaluable. Their guidance has been instrumental in helping the communicants understand and appreciate the profound significance of their First Holy Communion. 

Yours in Faith, Justice and Learning