Receiving Holy Communion
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
Timetable for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion 2026-2027
Sacrament of Holy Communion 2027
Commitment Mass
Sunday 24th January 9am Mass
Holy Communion Parent’s Sessions
Saturday 6th February and 20th March 9-10am in the Parish Centre
Children’s Sessions - Saturday 9-10am in St John Paul II Centre
23rd January
6th February (Parents Session running alongside the children’s session)
6th March
20th March (Parents Session running alongside the children’s session)
24th April
8th May1st Holy Communions will take place on Saturday 15th May at
11am Mass in the Church of The Immaculate Conception
Bicester for all children.
Corpus Christi Procession to St Mary’s School on Sunday 30th May following 11am Mass. Children are invited to join the procession wearing their 1st Holy Communion clothes.
Receiving Holy Communion
The Catholic Church recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion each time that they participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass and obliges them to do so at least once a year (Catechism 1417). However, the Church also stipulates that the recipient must be in a state of grace and that anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive Holy Communion without having received absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (1415 and 1457). Members of the congregation who are not Catholics or who are Catholics but are unable to receive Holy Communion for some reason or children who have not yet made their First Holy Communion are welcome to approach the sanctuary for a blessing.
If you are coming up for a blessing, please indicate this by placing your hand on the opposite shoulder when approaching the priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister. Catholics who do approach the sanctuary to receive Holy Communion are asked to make some gesture of reverence, usually a genuflection, before receiving the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are unable to approach the sanctuary steps but would wish to receive Holy Communion you are requested to sit in either of the front pews which are normally reserved for sick, frail, aged or infirm parishioners. Please inform one of the Ushers that you would like to receive Holy Communion so that they can pass this on to whoever is the Master of Ceremonies at that particular Mass.
Sick and Housebound
A number of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist take Holy Communion to the sick or housebound who are unable to attend church and participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass. If you, or if someone you know, cannot come to Mass and would like to receive Holy Communion at home or in one of the nursing homes in the parish, please contact the parish office know so that arrangements can be made.
In keeping with the requirements of the diocese, all Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who visit vulnerable adults are DBS checked.
The Catholic Church recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion each time that they participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass and obliges them to do so at least once a year (Catechism 1417). However, the Church also stipulates that the recipient must be in a state of grace and that anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive Holy Communion without having received absolution through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (1415 and 1457). Members of the congregation who are not Catholics or who are Catholics but are unable to receive Holy Communion for some reason or children who have not yet made their First Holy Communion are welcome to approach the sanctuary for a blessing.
If you are coming up for a blessing, please indicate this by placing your hand on the opposite shoulder when approaching the priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister. Catholics who do approach the sanctuary to receive Holy Communion are asked to make some gesture of reverence, usually a genuflection, before receiving the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are unable to approach the sanctuary steps but would wish to receive Holy Communion you are requested to sit in either of the front pews which are normally reserved for sick, frail, aged or infirm parishioners. Please inform one of the Ushers that you would like to receive Holy Communion so that they can pass this on to whoever is the Master of Ceremonies at that particular Mass.
Sick and Housebound
A number of the Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist take Holy Communion to the sick or housebound who are unable to attend church and participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass. If you, or if someone you know, cannot come to Mass and would like to receive Holy Communion at home or in one of the nursing homes in the parish, please contact the parish office know so that arrangements can be made.
In keeping with the requirements of the diocese, all Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist who visit vulnerable adults are DBS checked.