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.<\/p>\n
For Fr Andrew, the day was a reminder of the central place of the Eucharist in Catholic life.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Eucharist is the centre of my life, the centre of the life of the parish and the centre of the life of the Church,\u201d he said. \u201cThe Eucharist reminds us of Christ\u2019s sacrificial love, His real presence among us, and calls us to imitate Him in our love of God and neighbour.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Image: Alfie Ramirez \/ Diocese of Parramatta<\/p>\n
A Day of Grace for Families<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot for our family because my wife and us, we follow the Catholic faith,\u201d Robert said. \u201cIt\u2019s very important that Oliver believes in Jesus and God, and we\u2019re happy.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s commitment to Christ and His Church.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s important for us, for her, to receive her First Holy Communion,\u201d they said. \u201cIt\u2019s a symbol as well that we\u2019re committed to the Church.\u201d<\/p>\n
The celebration also brought back cherished memories for many parents.<\/p>\n
Margaret Autagavaia, whose daughter Mila received the Eucharist for the first time, reflected on the significance of the occasion.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s really important, very important,\u201d she said. \u201cIt pretty much just brings back memories of me going to my First Holy Communion, and it\u2019s important to receive Jesus in the Eucharist.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Image: Alfie Ramirez \/ Diocese of Parramatta<\/p>\n
Christ Truly Present<\/p>\n
During his homily, Fr Andrew reminded the congregation that \u201cThe Eucharist is not a symbol. The Eucharist is Jesus himself, who is coming to us.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cChrist is truly present in the Eucharist, and Christ is waiting for everyone to come and experience that presence,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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Fr Andrew Fornal OP, Parish Priest of St Josephs Kingswood Parish. Image: Alfie Ramirez \/ Diocese of Parramatta<\/p>\n
Taking Jesus to the Streets<\/p>\n
That witness was made visible immediately after Mass as parishioners joined the Eucharistic Procession through the streets surrounding St Joseph\u2019s Parish.<\/p>\n
According to Fr Andrew, \u201cThis 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe procession and the daily continuation of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament before morning Mass are an important way St Joseph\u2019s Parish is growing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s reminding us about Jesus being really present in the Eucharist,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s easy to sort of just become routine and forget, so it\u2019s a big feast to remind us of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Fr Andrew, the procession reflects the mission of the Church itself.<\/p>\n
By carrying the Blessed Sacrament through the neighbourhood, parishioners proclaim that Christ remains present among His people and invite others to encounter Him.<\/p>\n
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Image: Alfie Ramirez \/ Diocese of Parramatta<\/p>\n
A Parish That Feels Like Home<\/p>\n
The celebration also highlighted the strong sense of community that has flourished at St Joseph\u2019s Parish under the care of the Dominican Fathers.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on their impact, Columban praised the priests and the vibrant parish life they have fostered.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ve been good for the parish,\u201d he said. \u201cThere\u2019s lots of young people here, which is good to see.\u201d<\/p>\n
That sense of welcome was echoed by many of the families celebrating their children\u2019s First Holy Communion.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very welcoming, very friendly here,\u201d Robert said. \u201cThe people here are very nice. We really enjoy coming.\u201d<\/p>\n
Margaret similarly described the parish as \u201cvery welcoming\u201d and \u201cvery friendly\u201d, noting how accommodating parishioners are to visitors and newcomers alike.<\/p>\n
For Don and Liezl, it is the people who make the parish feel like home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe people around us make us feel welcome,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
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Image: Alfie Ramirez \/ Diocese of Parramatta<\/p>\n
As the celebration concluded, Fr Andrew encouraged the children to cherish the day and the gift they had received.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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This\u202fcelebration\u202faligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priorities of\u202fPrayer, Mission, and\u202fCommunity.\u202fVisit\u202fSynodality<\/a>\u202fto learn more.\u00a0<\/p>\n View the\u00a0photo gallery<\/a>\u00a0below.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"2026](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/55335614278_9784ea6b20_b.jpg\")
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