Crackley Hall Pupils Celebrate First Holy Communion Mass

Mikey Bell, Issey Cleary, Merryn Cleary, Leo Fella, Finlay Hackett, Dillon Horan, Joseph Hughes, Milana Lambeth and Joseph McCoy gathered together excitedly with friends, family and the whole Crackley Hall school community at St Francis of Assisi Church in Kenilworth.

The children have been preparing for this special day since the beginning of the year, meeting regularly to learn about their faith so that they understand what they are committing to. In March they took the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and then in May they celebrated the Passover Meal. 

Father Kevin Hooper began by commending Crackley Hall’s long and strong association with the parish.  He then led a joyful and celebratory Eucharist beautifully supported by the Altar Servers and Chamber Choir.  He spoke about the nourishing love of God that would sustain the young communicants throughout their lives. The communicants received the sacrament with the utmost sincerity and reverence and were a credit to their families and the school. 

Following celebratory prayers, reflections and concluding hymns the nine recipients shyly posed for proud parents and friends in front of the altar.

Special thanks were given to Mrs Jackson-Mayne and Mrs Simmonds who have supported the children in their journey this year and to Mrs Olden and the Chamber Choir.  It was a wonderful occasion bringing together pupils, teachers, family and friends from across the Princethorpe Foundation.  The school was delighted to welcome Ed Hester, Princethorpe Headmaster, and Trustees Mrs Griffin and Mrs McNamara to the service along with Mr McCullough and some of the Sixth Form prefects.

After the service parents, family and guests were invited to share in the special buffet lunch laid on for the communicants in the adjacent church hall where the traditional First Holy Communion cake was of course the centrepiece with each of the children’s names iced on the top in Crackley Hall School colours.

A very special day for all concerned.