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’s 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’s lapse in faith. But when his granny is faced with a life-changing diagnosis, Niall’s 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’s 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’s perspective.
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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 |
Broadcasts
- Mon 27 Jan 2025 22:40ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Tue 28 Jan 2025 22:40ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Wales & Wales HD
- Tue 28 Jan 2025 23:10ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Wales HD & Wales only
- Wed 29 Jan 2025 00:10ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Thu 30 Jan 2025 23:05ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Two Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Fri 14 Feb 2025 01:35
- Last Monday 23:25ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One except Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland HD, Scotland & Scotland HD
- Last Monday 23:40ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland HD only
- Last Monday 23:55ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Scotland & Scotland HD only
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