Eucharist means Thanksgiving. The eating of the bread and wine, which are changed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ to be the food of eternal life, is the sign of our union with Christ.

In the Eucharist, we are united with Christ through the power of the Spirit and so united with the risen Christ’s worship of his Father. “Nourished by his body and blood and filled with His Holy Spirit, we become one body, one Spirit in Christ” and so are able to offer glory and honour to the Almighty Father.

Holy Cross Parish runs Sacramental Programme lessons once a year. This programme covers a study of First Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Holy Communion for children aged between 7 ˝ and 15 years old who have been baptised Catholic.

The lessons are held on Sunday mornings at 10am – 11am in Holy Cross School. This programme is run by the Parish not the School, so keep an eye on the Parish newsletter as to when the next programme starts.

Parents are encouraged to attend each lesson with their child to help the children understand the lessons and help them with their homework sheets.

First Holy Communion celebration is usually held in a joint ceremony with the Confirmation celebration  in the Parish. The Bishop celebrates the mass with the Parish Priest assisting him.

For more information about the programme or if you are wishing to attend, please contact the coordinator, Marie Osborne between 9am to 12pm at the Parish Office, ph 838-1558 or email pastoralworker@hendersoncatholic.org.nz.