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First Communion

Four Catholic families prepare to celebrate their children's First Holy Communion, one of the biggest days of their lives so far. It's a sacred ceremony but also a time to celebrate.

Every year, thousands of seven- and eight-year-olds across the UK take their First Holy Communion, an important rite of passage in the Catholic Church. It鈥檚 a sacred ceremony, but the celebrations, parties, outfits and even the hair are getting bigger each year. What place does this ancient ritual have in the modern world?

This film offers a unique glimpse into the world of Holy Communion season, capturing the emotional highs and lows through the eyes of four children and their families.

Tia lives in West Belfast with her mum, dad and four siblings. She is determined to have a huge First Communion day party fit for a princess.

First Communion for seven-year-old Seren in Formby means following a set of much-loved family traditions. Granny Norma takes her to the same dress shop the family has used for decades.

Niall lives with his mum and his granny in Lurgan, Northern Ireland. He loves learning and has spent weeks preparing with his class and teacher for the big day. He takes his religious studies very seriously, despite his family鈥檚 lapse in faith. But when his granny is faced with a life-changing diagnosis, Niall鈥檚 First Communion day - and their faith - takes on a new meaning.

Magdalena lives in London with her mum, dad and eight brothers and sisters. Her family鈥檚 faith has been tested repeatedly as Mary, her baby sister, lives with a life-threatening breathing condition and is often rushed to hospital.

The film examines modern families and their relationship with the Catholic Church. Through a diverse cast of characters, we explore the changing role of faith in the UK, offering insight from a child鈥檚 perspective.

11 months left to watch

58 minutes

Signed Audio described

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Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Hannah McClean
Executive Producer Rachel Hooper
Executive Producer Natalie Maynes
Executive Producer Alice Perman
Commissioning Editor Daisy Scalchi
Commissioning Editor Justin Binding
Producer Maria McCloskey
Director Laura Martin-Robinson
Production Company Walk on Air Films

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