Catholic Sources » First Holy Communion

First Communion Mass at Loretto

Chris Tanner — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:01:23 +0000

Twenty-four young students received First Holy Communion at Our Lady of Loretto Church in Cold Spring at a noon Mass on Saturday that was celebrated by Fr. Brian T. McSweeney. He is shown at center rear with Fr. Anthony Yorke, at left center.

The
full version of this story is available only to subscribers. Subscribe now to access to full versions of news stories
in our archive of
over 12,000 stories going back to 1999.

Not an online subscriber yet? Sign Up Here
Note: You must have cookies enabled to use subscription service
Member Functions:
Forgot your password?

Children say cash is the best part of Communion

Chris Tanner — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:52:58 +0000

Clodagh Sheehy

– 17 May 2013 02:15 PM

FIRST Communion children are more excited about the money they will get on the day than any religious aspect of the event.

‘;
document.write(s);
return;
}

window.google_adnum = window.google_adnum || null;

google_ad_client = “ca-pub-9024837700129787″;
google_ad_output = “js”;
google_ad_type = “text”;

google_ad_channel = ’9868211012,8251877010′;

google_max_num_ads = ’2′;

google_skip = window.google_adnum; /* insert this snippet for each ad call */

Seven in 10 children see the money as the best part of the day while wearing their Communion outfit as the most special memory.

And despite the economic downturn the First Holy Communion remains a lucrative business, with the average cash gift between €20 and €30.

For 15pc of children the day brings them in excess of €150 while another 22pc earn between €90 and €150. Of the rest, 17pc get €50-€70 and the remainder get less than €50.

A survey by giftcard providers One4all found that more than half of all First Communicants remembered putting on their special clothes as the best memory of the day with another 23pc citing visits to relatives as the best memory.

Receiving the Sacrament came third on the list of special moments, with only 15pc of children choosing this as the best part of the day.

Little girls were particularly keen to show off their dress after the event and almost half wore it at least once more, while 40pc wore it up to three times more and 14pc got more than four wears out of their outfit.

One third of adults surveyed still had their Communion dresses, while 14pc had given it to a charity and just 2pc had sold it. Most however – 83pc – are concerned that the day has become an over-the-top affair, particularly in the past decade.

MEMORIES

ALMOST EIGHT IN 10 ALSO FEEL THAT CHILDREN ARE GIVEN FAR TOO MUCH MONEY ON THE DAY.

The survey involved 300 people between the ages of 18 and 35 who were asked for their memories of their First Communion Day.

As adults 59pc of people still prefer to give money to First Communion children rather than a gift or a giftcard.

Of those giving cash 43pc give between €20-€30 but 4pc give more than €50.

In the case of giftcards just over half give a card worth between €20-€30 but 9pc give in excess of €50. When it comes to buying gifts over 70pc spend under €30 with just 1pc spending more than €50.

See page 17

‘;
}

s += ‘

Ads by Google

‘;

if (google_ads[0].bidtype == “CPC”) {
google_adnum = google_adnum + google_ads.length;
}

s += ‘

Maronite Cathedral celebrates children’s First Holy Communion

Chris Tanner — Fri, 17 May 2013 11:52:01 +0000

A sunny, warm Sunday morning on April 28 greeted the First Communicants at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral. All sixteen children were excited and joyous to be finally receiving Christ in the Blessed Sacrament. They had diligently prepared for receiving their Sacrament under the tutelage of Norma Haddad, Lily Elhage and Tresa Van Heusen who had spent untold hours with them—a true labor of love!

The children’s families were ushered into the reserved pews in the front of the Cathedral. The children processed into the Cathedral and were seated at the base of the altar. This was their Divine Liturgy! Each had a part of the reading to speak; each bore the Gifts of Bread and Wine to the altar; they offered the greeting of peace to the Community. Monsignor James Root, the Cathedral rector, invited the First Communicants to stand around the altar during the Consecration. They were in awe!

Instead of the usual homily, Msgr. Root greeted the children and proceeded to ask them questions about the significance of the Sacrament and how it related to their lives. Little hands were thrust up in response: ”Me…me, let me answer! Their enthusiasm was gratifying. They knew all the answers to his questions and demonstrated their readiness to join the community in the Blessed Sacrament.

When Communion was to be distributed, each child was called to the altar by name, with parents and siblings accompanying each First Communicant. It was beautiful to see an entire family escort their child to receive Jesus for the first time.

The First Communicants were Leonardo Argudo, Nida Chacar, Michele Chahwan, Christiana Chaya, Gabriel Chiha, Lorianna ElAdem, Pio El Gemayel, Kate Farhat, Kristen Farhat, Aya Hayek, George Elias Maroun, Sammy Nassour, Andrew Saade, Anthony Saade, Jonathan Safi and Teaney Sarkis.

Following the Divine Liturgy refreshments were offered to the Community in the Cathedral’s Social Hall where the children and their families were congratulated on this beautiful occasion.

Submitted by Salma Vahdat, parishioner

Melissa Gorga Celebrates Daughter Antonia’s First Communion: Picture

Chris Tanner — Wed, 15 May 2013 07:00:53 +0000

A family affair! Melissa Gorga and Joe Gorga of the Real Housewives of New Jersey feted daughter Antonia, 7, with a huge party to celebrate her first holy communion on Saturday, May 11.

Melissa, 34, showed nothing but pride for her daughter, tweeting pictures of Antonia’s communion day look — a white, custom-made Elena do Vale dress, complete with a veil.

PHOTOS: Real Housewives‘ biggest fights ever

“Look at my baby girl!” Melissa wrote.

The Bravo reality star, who famously feuded with sister-in-law Teresa Giudice during the show’s third and fourth season, looked just as stylish for the big day. Wearing a cream-colored dress paired with camel-colored heels, Melissa posed happily with husband Joe and their three kids together — Antonia and sons, Gino and Joey.

After the church service, fellow housewives Jacqueline Laurita, Caroline Manzo, Joe’s cousin Kathy Wakile, and other party guests were on hand to celebrate at the Manzo family’s Brownstone catering hall.

PHOTOS: Before they were Real Housewives

The party — complete with a DJ, dancing and a photo booth for guests to take pictures in — was a fun-filled day for Antonia.

Noticeably absent from the communion celebration was the Giudice family, but Melissa told Us Weekly two days before the bash that there’s a drama-free explanation.

“Gabriella [one of Teresa's four daughters) is making hers [communion] at the same time, same church!” she said. “We’re both having parties at the same time, so unfortunately, we’re not going to each other’s parties.”

She continued, “Nobody wants to re-dress their kid another day, and go through the party a week later. Nobody really wants to do that. It just happened to land this way.”

Melissa explained that her in-laws, (Teresa’s parents) had plans to make it to both girls’ parties, so neither Antonia or Gabriella would miss out.

PHOTOS: At home with a real housewife

“Joe’s parents are coming to both, yes,” she told Us. “They’re going to come to both of our parties. It’s not because we’re not getting along. It’s not that!”

In fact, Melissa hinted to Us that things between she and Teresa have been steadily improving.

“I’m gonna make sure I go over, and see Gabriella and give her a hug and a kiss before [the church service],” she said. “Hopefully we can get the girls to get a couple pictures together!”

The fifth season of RHONJ premieres Sunday, June 2.

Bishop invites all 2013 First Communicants to Mass on June 1

Chris Tanner — Fri, 10 May 2013 01:46:45 +0000

The following is a letter from Bishop Daniel R. Jenky, CSC, Bishop of Peoria.

—–

As part of our diocesan celebration for the Year of Faith, I am inviting all the children of the Diocese of Peoria who have received First Holy Communion in their parishes during 2013 to a special Mass of Thanksgiving in their honor. Please join me at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 607 N.E. Madison Avenue, Peoria, on Saturday, June 1, 2013, at 4 p.m.

First Communicants are also invited to wear their Communion dresses, veils, suits, etc. Due to some other celebrations in the cathedral earlier that day, seating for this event will begin at 3 p.m. Please do not plan to arrive any earlier.

The celebration of First Communion truly becomes a family event, touching the lives of siblings, parents, grandparents and the larger family of the Church. It is my hope that all of you will join me, together with other diocesan families, to give thanks for this gift of Jesus in the Most Holy Eucharist.

As your bishop, let me join you in thanking God for the gift of your First Holy Communion! I am truly filled with â€œfatherlyâ€� joy with you and for you. I look forward to celebrating with you at the cathedral.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Most Reverend Daniel R. Jenky, CSC
Bishop of Peoria

It’s spring. Must mean First Communions and Weddings. – Patheos

Chris Tanner — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 03:27:22 +0000

With spring comes wedding and First Holy Communion season. Here in my parish we have five large sessions of First Communions and we have at least three weddings every saturday for the foreseeable future. These celebrations are among the best of the year. It’s always so beautiful to see children receiving Our Lord in the Eucharist for the first time. Getting to know a couple and witness their vows renews in me hope for my generation. I enjoy very much getting to know young couples and becoming a part of their lives.

These celebrations bring the best and unfortunately the worst out in us too. It seems many people come to these celebrations haven’t been to Church in a (seemingly) very long time. I would never want to be cold or discourage anyone from coming to Church. But I do hope that anyone who comes to a church ceremony would be respectful. Unfortunately, some people don’t know how to compose themselves in Church any more. I’ve found those experiences to be incredibly discouraging. As someone who loves the Church and her sacraments it’s hard to fathom how people can act in church as though they are at a ball game. Every priest or deacon could tell you some horror stories! I think we are all to blame in a way for this. Too easily do we stop to chat in the Church either before or after Mass. We have to recapture the church as a place of quiet and prayer.

I’m still new at this and I don’t have all the answers to fix this problem. I’ve however picked up a few tricks here and there. Let me share them with you:

Before each of the First Communions here at my parish the pastor leads the congregation in the Rosary. It helps to calm every one down and reminds them they are in a sacred space.
Immediately prior to the beginning of Mass at First Communions and Confirmations we remind everyone to put their cameras and phones away.
I try and remind the congregation before any big celebration that they are in church and should maintain a prayerful atmosphere to the space we are in. Unfortunately this doesn’t always work. I’m still not sure how to keep the ceremony prayerful when members of the congregation talk through out the Mass or especially during the distribution of Holy Communion.
Immediately before the distribution of Holy Communion, after I have received the eucharist I have made it my practice at Funerals and weddings to invite those present to Holy Communion by stating: “I now invite those practicing Catholics who are prepared to do so to please come forward to receive holy Communion. I invite everyone else to please be seated at this time.” That has seemed to help keep the distribution of Holy Communion dignified and respectful. I always try to maintain a spirit of charity and a tone of welcome in my voice.
Before each wedding I celebrate I speak to the entire bridal party – reminding them to walk slowly, to remove any chewing gum and to not talk during the ceremony. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m not comfortable singling anyone out from the altar to keep quiet. Ultimately, I think we just have to keep ourselves composed and lead through our prayerful and composed example.

So far these are just my experiences. It can be very discouraging when it seems as though no one else in the church gets what is going on. But then there are those celebrations that truly remind us what we are doing there. The couples that truly get it. The kids that attend Mass regularly. In the end, every Mass is perfect. Jesus Christ is present, the couple is married, the person is buried, the child is confirmed. Would that we could all attend Mass in a respectful and dignified manner. Would that we all realize just what is going on. It all starts with me. It all starts with you.

Brother priests, if you have any tips please leave them in the combox or drop me an email.

Anissa Rivera: Two boys linked by communion, one now tragically gone

Chris Tanner — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:09:18 +0000

In one photo of Boston bombing victim Martin Richard, 8, he is dressed in all white and holding a First Communion banner.

His name is glued jauntily, and a bit crookedly, in white felt letters, at the top. His mother must have let him do most of the work because all of the felt symbols included in the banner kit are used: a brown dove, pink heart, white host, red alpha and omega, mustard-colored chalice, grapes, chaffs of wheat and even the loaf of bread are glued on the banner.

Another mom would have advised restraint, selecting only a certain color scheme, vetoing her child if he wanted to cram everything in there. Another mom would have done most of the work. God bless Denise Richard for letting her son decorate his First Communion banner the way he wanted.

Wonder Boy and I worked on his banner a week before the bombings. I spread out the same felt pieces Martin Richard used in his banner, helped him find the white letters of his name, and hot glued his chosen design. Wonder Boy chose the brown cross, gold chalice, and host for his smaller banner. He carefully drew a small cross on the host with gold glitter. He wanted to include a bunch of grapes and the loaf of bread but it wouldn’t fit.

In the end, my son was happy with his banner, which will mark our place in the church pews on May 4, when he receives his First Holy Communion. Later, it will be framed and have pride of place in the room he shares

with his brother.

I will take a similar picture on May 4 that the Martins did early this year, of their own boy, now, unbelievably, gone. I will have my 8-year-old son hold his banner before him, and I will tell him to smile. I will make sure everything is perfect before I press the shutter. Then I will give him a hug and hurry him along. There will be lunch waiting, and guests ready to greet him on his special day.

I will pause to admire this banner, a bond between two boys, one of whom will stay forever 8. If I move the banner just so in the sunlight, the gold glitter in the cross glistens just so.

Columnist Anissa Rivera can be reached at anivriv@yahoo.com.

Boston solidarity

Chris Tanner — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:04:15 +0000

By Brian Caulfield *

My 8-year-old son will receive his First Holy Communion next month, so I was struck with an overflowing sense of empathy when I saw the online image of the 8-year-old boy in his First Communion suit who was killed in the Boston Marathon bombing. That could have been my boy in the picture, dressed in a white tie and jacket, smiling innocently while standing outside the church, holding an art project with symbols of the sacrament – chalice, bread, host – very similar to the First Communion banner of my Justin that hangs on our door at home.

How incredibly sad that Martin Richard, this child of God, this child who was such a gift to his parents, should die as a result of a cowardly act of terrorist violence, on a sunny day of celebration at the Boston Marathon. I showed the picture to my son, who simply whispered, “Oh,” when I explained what had happened. The look on his face indicated that the world outside had suddenly become a lot bigger and more inexplicable to him. Who would do such a thing? Why do bad things happen to good First Communion boys?

According to news reports, Little Martin’s mother and sister, also standing along the spectator route near the end of the marathon, suffered serious wounds. The father, Bill Richard, was able to walk away from the bloody crime scene. The family was active in the Dorchester community and their parish. As a fellow Catholic father, I feel a spiritual bond with Bill Richard, a man I have never met, and I pray each night, and at times throughout the day, for him and his family.

What can he be thinking, what must he be feeling, having lost his little boy and with his wife and daughter in the hospital? I know I would feel grief, coupled with anger at the attacker, and a good deal of emptiness and confusion. Yet this good man, no doubt supported by his faith, his family and his parish, released a statement the day after the bombing:
“My dear son Martin has died from injuries sustained in the attack on Boston. My wife and daughter are both recovering from serious injuries. We thank our family and friends, those we know and those we have never met, for their thoughts and prayers. I ask that you continue to pray for my family as we remember Martin.”

The goodness of this man’s soul shines through these words. There is a touch of the Holy Spirit about them, in what they say and in what they silently acknowledge can never be expressed. Through a delicate declaration of grief, facts, love and measured emotion, Bill Richard has shared an appropriate part of his loss with the world. Fathers, especially, should be inspired now to pray for him and his “dear son Martin.” Let not this sadness pass without it lifting us up to become better fathers and husbands, men of deeper prayer and more practical and charitable action at home, at work, in our parishes and in our communities.

We may never face the devastating grief that Bill Richard is facing, but we are tested in so many ways each day to rise above our weakness and bring strength, peace and love into our own lives and the lives of those who depend on us.

As a start, perhaps we could suggest in our parishes that every First Communion class next month remember little Martin Richard, who may serve as a modern model for those receiving the sacrament for the first time.

Latest Release in Hi God Series Delivers Music for First Holy Communion

Chris Tanner — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 23:55:01 +0000

Contact: Erin McClellan, OCP, 503-460-5363

PORTLAND, Ore., March 19, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ – On the 40^th anniversary of the acclaimed Hi God series, Carey Landry and Carol Jean Kinghorn present their latest volume to inspire youth: Hi God: First Communion.

Teachers, Catechists and Liturgists alike have relied on Hi God to develop faith in children for decades. This new installment brings a wealth of music and opportunities for participation to one of the most important sacramental moments in a young Catholic’s life: First Holy Communion.

“We compiled this collection because we felt we had many songs that were appropriate for First Communion. We wanted musicians, teachers and catechists to have access to those songs, hymns and psalms in a single collection. We hope it will be a useful resource for First Communion celebrations and for catechetical lessons preparing children to receive their first Holy Communion,” said Cary Landry. From energetic processional pieces — such as “God Is Here” and “Let Us Sing” — to reflective selections for the Communion Rite — like “We Receive the Lord” and “At the Center of My Heart” — Hi God: First Communion delivers a variety of age-appropriate and theologically sound music to lift voices in praise throughout this important sacramental moment.

In celebration of this release and in honor of the 40^th anniversary of the Hi God series, OCP is set to host a contest exclusively for their Facebook fans. To participate, fans will be asked to submit videos, photos with captions or essays explaining how the series has made an impact on their spiritual life and the lives of the young Catholics they work with. The winner, chosen by Landry and Kinghorn will receive copies of each volume and book in the entire 40-year span of Hi God, along with a special thank you from the composers.

The contest will launch in April 2013 and is open to fans of OCP’s Facebook page (OCPmusic) that reside in the U.S.

To learn more about or to purchase Hi God: First Communion, please visit OCP.org/HiGod. For all other inquiries including media requests, please contact Erin McClellan at erinm@ocp.org or 503.460.5363.

About OCP
OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 85 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in over two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. Find OCP on Facebook at Facebook.com/OCPmusic.

Latest release in Hi God series delivers music for First Holy Communion

Chris Tanner — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:21:35 +0000

PORTLAND, Ore.— On the 40^th anniversary of the acclaimed Hi God series, Carey Landry and Carol Jean Kinghorn present their latest volume to inspire youth: Hi God: First Communion.

From energetic processional pieces—such as “God Is Here” and Let Us Sing”—to reflective selections for the Communion Rite—like “We Receive the Lord and “At the Center of My Heart—Hi God: First Communion delivers a variety of age-appropriate and theologically sound music to lift voices in praise throughout this important sacramental moment.

The contest will launch in April 2013 and is open to fans of OCP’s Facebook page (OCPmusic) that reside in the U.S.

About OCP

OCP, a not-for-profit publisher of liturgical music and worship resources based in Portland, Oregon, has been in operation for more than 85 years. Worship programs produced by OCP are used in over two-thirds of Catholic churches in the United States and are distributed worldwide. Find OCP on Facebook at Facebook.com/OCPmusic.

###

Contact

Erin McClellan
Erinm@ocp.org

503.460.5363

Kelcee Marcum
Kelceem@ocp.org

503.460.5358