Sarah awoke very early. It was 6.30 in the morning, but she was excited. It was Saturday, but no ordinary Saturday. It was the day of her First Holy Communion. She had been looking forward to it for weeks.

Sarah looked at her dress hanging up ready for her to wear. It was beautiful. As was the long veil which was hanging next to it.

It was a busy morning. The house was full of Sarah's relations, all dressed in their finest clothes. They had come to wish Sarah all the best for her special day.

At last it was time to leave for the church. Sarah was nervous that she would get dirt on her white dress and veil.

Outside church, Sarah had to have a photograph with all her friends who were also making their First Communions. Afterwards, the children were led into church and shown where to sit. Sarah was very nervous, until she saw her mum's face in the crowd. Her mother mouthed the words, "God bless."

The service started. There were readings from the Bible, the choir sang and a group of children played their recorders. Soon it was time for Sarah to make her First Holy Communion. She knelt down in front of the altar. This time however, the priest did not place his hand on her head and say a prayer, as he had done every week since Sarah had been a little child. Instead, he placed a wafer of bread in her hand, whispering, "The Body of Christ."

Sarah put the wafer in her mouth. It didn't taste of anything, and because it was so very dry, Sarah had difficulty swallowing it. But then, she had done it! She had made her First Holy Communion. From now on, she could receive Communion every week with her parents.

After the service, all the children who had made their First Holy Communion went into the church hall to have their own private party. There was all sorts of party food - sandwiches, sausage rolls, jelly. Sarah was so excited she could hardly eat anything.

At home, Sarah's relations took lots of photographs of her. They also gave her many presents like a book of prayers, a small statue of Jesus and a set of prayer beads.

At bedtime, when Sarah hung up her dress, she thought about the day. What a special day it had been. She thought she would never forget it for as long as she lived.

Adapted from the Solihull Handbook for Religious Education.