General Information for First Holy Communion

First Reconciliation and First Eucharist Policy

Timeline for First Reconciliation and First Eucharist

First Communion Rules and Practices

First Communion Banner Instructions (PDF)

What to Wear for First Communion

Girls wear a white dress with white dress shoes and nylons/tights or white anklets. Veils are optional. If girls choose to wear gloves, they should remove them before communion and leave them in their pew.

Boys wear a light colored dress shirts with a tie, dress pants and dress shoes with optional jacket, vest or sweater.

Should special clothing be a financial hardship, please call the Religious Education office.

Church Seating

The first 10 to 12 rows on each side of the center aisle will be reserved for First Communicants and their families. Each First Communicant will be assigned a row alphabetically. (The rows closest to the altar seat fewer people.) Additional seating will be available for other family members and guests in the unreserved seats in the church.

Arrival Time

All First Communicants should meet in the church corridor 20 minutes before the start of Mass. This allows for some quiet time and ample time to get the students lined up for the procession. Those seated with the First Communicant should be in their designated row 15 minutes before the start of Mass.

Procession

Each First Communion Mass will have a procession of the First Communicants. Students will process with Father according to their seating assignments.

Liturgical Ministers

Family members who regularly serve in a liturgical ministry role (server, lector, commentator, greeter, usher) are welcome to assist in the First Communion Liturgy. If you'd like to assist and have not yet contacted us, please call 271-8081. The children do not assume these roles.

Communion Under Both Species

In keeping with our parish custom, children will prepare for and have the opportunity to receive both the Body and Blood of Christ. Whether your child chooses to partake in the Blood of Christ is a family decision. We encourage you to discuss this with your child and allow him/her to have a small taste of wine prior to First Communion in order to prepare for the taste should the child receive the Blood of Christ.

Photographs

Professional photographs will be taken on Saturday, April 18th. A brochure listing the packages and pricing is included in the parent folder; further details will be sent home soon.

On the day of First Communion, we ask, out of respect for the sacredness of the Sacrament, that you refrain from interrupting the flow of the Liturgy with picture taking. Cameras and video cameras are not to be used within 10 feet of the reception of First Holy Communion, nor are they to be used on or above the steps of the sanctuary. Of course, after the Mass, you may take family photos or videos.

Web sites

Web sites that sell First Communion items from rosaries and prayer books to First Communion clothing. We do not endorse any of these companies, but provide them to you as a resource only. Items are also available at Madison Church Supply on Park Street.

http://www.catholicsupply.com /