First Holy Communion

Procedures & Instructions

ARRIVAL:

• Please arrive 20 minutes before Mass begins and go directly down to classroom #8 with your child. Once your child has been checked in, please be seated in the Worship area.

• Children will be lined up and will process into the Worship Area at the beginning of Mass. They will then join you in your family row in the aisle seat.

SEATING:

• Seating charts are posted outside the worship area doors on easels. At rehearsal, the seating charts will be posted on the bulletin board outside the Religious Ed office should you need to take another look before your Mass. You will sit in your reserved row for First Communion Mass.

• At the First Communion Masses, the end of each row will be marked “Reserved for the family of (child’s name).” Certificates will be placed on the aisle seat in each row.

• The first few seats in each row should be utilized by parents/guardians. Other children, family or friends may sit in the rest of the seats reserved for your family. If you have more people coming than seats in your row, there will be open seating for the remaining guests.

HOMILY:

• Children will be invited to come up and sit on the floor around the steps of the sanctuary to listen to the homily.

RECEIVING COMMUNION:

• Each child will be walked up the aisle by the parents/guardians to receive Communion. Father will stand in front of the altar.

• Parents will wait at the foot of the steps as their child goes up the steps.

• The child will receive the Body of Christ from Father.

• Adults will move to the side steps of the sanctuary – go to side you were seated on.

• The child will then move to the side of the altar where they have the option to receive the Blood of Christ.

• The child will come down the side steps to meet parents/guardians and return to seat.

• Parents/guardians and all other family members will receive communion with the rest of the congregation.

How to receive Holy Communion:

1. Go up the steps and stand in front of Father.

2. Make a small bow of your head

3. Place your left hand (palm-side up) on top of your right hand (palm-side up) and extend your hands up to Father.

4. When Father says, “The Body of Christ,” you say “AMEN.”

5. When the Eucharist is placed in your hand, take your right hand from underneath and pick up the host.

6. Standing still, place the Eucharist immediately and carefully in your mouth. Do not walk away with it.

7. After receiving the Eucharist, bless yourself, making the Sign of the Cross: “In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”

8. Fold hands, palms together, fingers facing up, and walk to the side of the altar.

9. If receiving from the chalice, the minister will say, “The Blood of Christ.” You say, “AMEN.” The chalice is handed to you - take a small sip and hand the cup back. Afterwards, make the Sign of the Cross.

10. Come down the steps to your parents, return to your seat, and say a silent prayer.

Please practice this with your children.

REMINDERS:

• NO PHOTOS OR VIDEOS ARE TO BE TAKEN DURING MASS.

• A professional photographer will be taking pictures and will post pictures on: o http://www.duffyphotography.us/Celebrations/St-Elizabeth-Ann-Seton/

o It is Password Protected

• Additionally, there will be opportunities to take photos with Father after Mass.

• First Communion pins will be given out at rehearsals. They are a gift from the parish to commemorate this important event in the life of your child. Please have your child wear the pin to First Communion Mass.

• Contact the office or email with questions: [email protected]