Holy Communion

The First Holy Communion Committee at Our Lady of Lebanon Co-Cathedral Parish accompanies children and their families on their journey towards receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, the Sacrament of the Eucharist (First Holy Communion), and, where applicable, the Sacrament of Confirmation. Inspired by the words of Scripture, “For we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), the committee is committed to nurturing each child’s faith, deepening their understanding of God’s love, and encouraging a lifelong friendship with Jesus Christ.
 
Working closely with our clergy and families, we strive to create a welcoming, prayerful, and faith-filled environment where children can come to know, love, and reverence the Real Presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Our goal is to prepare children to receive the sacraments with faith, understanding, and reverence while supporting parents in their role as the primary educators of their children in the faith. Through this journey, children are encouraged to deepen their prayer life, participate more fully in the sacramental life of the Church, and grow as active and joyful members of our parish community.
 
Each year, the committee delivers a comprehensive sacramental preparation program over several months, including weekly Wednesday afternoon lessons lasting one and a half hours. Parents are also invited to participate in three faith formation sessions led by a priest or deacon, helping them deepen their understanding of the sacraments and strengthen their ability to support their children’s spiritual growth.
 
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated in the week before Holy Week, followed by the celebration of First Holy Communion at two parish Masses. These joyful occasions bring together children, families, friends, and parishioners as the children receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. To commemorate this important milestone, each child receives a gift pack and certificates recognising the sacraments they have received. They also receive a Holy Bible and rosary beads as treasured reminders of this sacred moment and gifts for their continued growth in faith.
 
Each year, the committee welcomes and prepares over a hundred children coming from at least 18 different schools in the Catholic, selective, private, and state school systems, including Maronite, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox students. This reflects the richness, diversity, and unity of our parish community.
 
In recent years, many of our children in sacramental formation have participated in the parish’s annual Corpus Christi celebrations. Dressed in white, they take part in Eucharistic Adoration and the parish procession, providing a beautiful public witness to their faith and devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
 
Our committee's prayer is that every child who completes the program will continue to grow in faith, receive the Eucharist regularly, and remain an active member of the Church, sharing Christ’s love with their families, schools, and the wider community.
 
For further information, or to register your child, please see the links below.