Dear Parents and Guardians,
We look forward to celebrating your child’s First Holy Communion with you! This is a joyful occasion for your family and our parish. Thank you for helping your child prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. The following information will help you feel ready for the day.
Growing in faith together
First Holy Communion is the beginning of a lifelong relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Just as children need food to grow, they also need spiritual nourishment. At Mass, Jesus feeds us through his Word and the gift of himself in Holy Communion.
Making Sunday Mass part of your family’s routine helps your child grow in faith and feel at home in the parish. We warmly invite you to join us each Sunday. Your family is always welcome!
What to wear
Children are invited to wear their Sunday best. Choose something comfortable that will help them focus on the celebration. White is optional.
For girls, a dress or other suitable Sunday clothing is welcome. We encourage you to keep accessories simple and leave gloves, veils, rosaries, jewelry, and flowers at home, as these can distract children during Mass. Gloves must not be worn during Mass.
For boys, dress pants with a collared shirt or sweater are suggested. A jacket and tie are optional.
Arrival and seating
Please arrive at the church’s main entrance at least 20 minutes before the liturgy begins. There will be no reserved pews for the family and guests. As you enter the nave of the church, your child will receive their certificate. A director will escort your child to their pew at the front of the Church. All family and guests may be seated behind the reserved pews.
Receiving Holy Communion
The children will receive Holy Communion first from the priest. Afterwards, the Eucharistic ministers will take their places, and the rest of the congregation will be invited forward for Communion.
If your child has a gluten allergy, please contact the Parish Office before the celebration so we can discuss their needs.
Photographs and videos
Please keep cameras and phones put away during Mass. Photographs and videos are not permitted during the liturgy, so that everyone can take part fully and prayerfully.
After Mass, each class will be invited forward for photographs. Once the celebration has finished, families are welcome to take pictures in front of the altar. Please remain outside the sanctuary, the area around the altar.
Thank you for your cooperation and for sharing this special day with our parish. We look forward to celebrating with you and your child!