Congratulations to Emma Davidson, Neve McGill, Charli Roe, Georgia Strong, Skye Willoughby, Matthew Bailey, Jake Bell and Bobby Phillips who celebrated receiving Holy Communion for the first time at mass on Sunday. The children have all completed the diocesan preparation programme which began in September of last year through the school and with the help of catechists Christine Hodgkinson and Mary Stacey.

The five girls and three boys all from St Anne’s School participated in a beautiful liturgy prepared by the school staff and with the help of Mrs Ellis who worked alongside the school with the music.

The children were supported by their school friends, some of whom came along to swell the choir.  Their parents were all involved in bringing down the offertory gifts which included the plastercine moulds the children had made of themselves as part of the preparation programme.

The children did the readings and bidding prayers and performed a most moving liturgical dance after Holy Communion.

Father Kelly presented the children with a certificate and a beautiful missal as a commemorative gift from the school.

Afterwards the children and their families enjoyed a shared breakfast in the church hall.

It was a most memorable and moving mass with the church being full to overflowing which was wonderful to see. Please keep the children and their parents in your prayers.

We hope they will to grow in faith and love of the blessed Eucharist.

Please take a look at this short video showing the highlights of the children’s First Holy Communion.

Should any of the parents have a photograph they would like adding to the montage above please email them to info@stannesgateshead.org.uk