“Today is the special day when you receive Christ in His body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist for the first time.”
With these words, Parish Priest Fr Andrew Fornal OP welcomed the First Communion candidates of St Joseph’s Kingswood Parish, as they gathered with their families and the parish community for a day of profound joy and faith on Sunday 7 June 2026.
Celebrated on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi, the occasion marked a double blessing for the parish. As the Church honoured the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the children took an important step in their faith journey, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion for the first time.
For Fr Andrew, the day was a reminder of the central place of the Eucharist in Catholic life.
“The Eucharist is the centre of my life, the centre of the life of the parish and the centre of the life of the Church,” he said. “The Eucharist reminds us of Christ’s sacrificial love, His real presence among us, and calls us to imitate Him in our love of God and neighbour.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A Day of Grace for Families
For the children, the celebration was the culmination of weeks of preparation as they reached an important milestone in their faith journey. For their parents and families, it was a deeply personal moment that connected generations of faith.
Robert Sucksmith, a parishioner for the past four years watched proudly as his nine-year-old son Oliver approached the altar for the first time.
“It means a lot for our family because my wife and us, we follow the Catholic faith,” Robert said. “It’s very important that Oliver believes in Jesus and God, and we’re happy.”
For Don and Liezle Marzo, whose daughter Linelle received her First Holy Communion, the day represented both a milestone in her faith journey and a reaffirmation of their family’s commitment to Christ and His Church.
“It’s important for us, for her, to receive her First Holy Communion,” they said. “It’s a symbol as well that we’re committed to the Church.”
The celebration also brought back cherished memories for many parents.
Margaret Autagavaia, whose daughter Mila received the Eucharist for the first time, reflected on the significance of the occasion.
“It’s really important, very important,” she said. “It pretty much just brings back memories of me going to my First Holy Communion, and it’s important to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.”
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Christ Truly Present
During his homily, Fr Andrew reminded the congregation that “The Eucharist is not a symbol. The Eucharist is Jesus himself, who is coming to us.”
Fr Andrew encouraged the children to treasure the gift they were receiving and to remember that Christ desires to remain close to His people through the Eucharist.
He also reminded the congregation that the Solemnity of Corpus Christi is a public proclamation of this belief, calling Catholics not only to adore Christ in the Eucharist but also to bear witness to Him in their daily lives.
“Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and Christ is waiting for everyone to come and experience that presence,” he said.
Fr Andrew Fornal OP, Parish Priest of St Josephs Kingswood Parish. Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
Taking Jesus to the Streets
That witness was made visible immediately after Mass as parishioners joined the Eucharistic Procession through the streets surrounding St Joseph’s Parish.
According to Fr Andrew, “This was the first procession since many years. We were inspired by the preparation for the International Eucharistic Congress in Sydney 2028. We hope the Eucharistic procession will become an annual event in the parish.”
“The procession and the daily continuation of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before morning Mass are an important way St Joseph’s Parish is growing,” he said.
Led by the First Communion children, the procession became a public expression of faith and devotion, bringing Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament into the heart of the local community.
Long-time parishioner Columban Devine, who has been part of the parish for around 15 years, said the celebration serves as an important reminder of what Catholics believe.
“It’s reminding us about Jesus being really present in the Eucharist,” he said. “It’s easy to sort of just become routine and forget, so it’s a big feast to remind us of it.”
For Fr Andrew, the procession reflects the mission of the Church itself.
By carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the neighbourhood, parishioners proclaim that Christ remains present among His people and invite others to encounter Him.
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
A Parish That Feels Like Home
The celebration also highlighted the strong sense of community that has flourished at St Joseph’s Parish under the care of the Dominican Fathers.
Reflecting on their impact, Columban praised the priests and the vibrant parish life they have fostered.
“They’ve been good for the parish,” he said. “There’s lots of young people here, which is good to see.”
That sense of welcome was echoed by many of the families celebrating their children’s First Holy Communion.
“It’s very welcoming, very friendly here,” Robert said. “The people here are very nice. We really enjoy coming.”
Margaret similarly described the parish as “very welcoming” and “very friendly”, noting how accommodating parishioners are to visitors and newcomers alike.
For Don and Liezl, it is the people who make the parish feel like home.
“The people around us make us feel welcome,” they said.
Image: Alfie Ramirez / Diocese of Parramatta
As the celebration concluded, Fr Andrew encouraged the children to cherish the day and the gift they had received.
“Today, He will make you a living tabernacle of His presence, that in your hearts you may bring Him to your homes, to your families and to your friends,” he said.
For the young people who received their First Holy Communion, the day marked the beginning of a deeper relationship with Christ. For the parish community, it was a joyful witness to a faith that continues to be lived, celebrated and shared.
This celebration aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of Prayer, Mission, and Community. Visit Synodality to learn more.
View the photo gallery below.
