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St John's P.S Gilford

Guidance for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion

21st Sep 2020

In order to facilitate rehearsals for First Holy Communion, parents of P.5 children are asked to please arrange for their children to be dropped off at the Church in Laurencetown for 9am on Wed 23rd & Thurs 24th and collected again at 11am to be brought back to school.

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is a special event in the lives of the children.

For the school and the parish, it is also an occasion to celebrate.

In order to make this a memorable experience for everyone involved we would ask you to note the following points.

  • First Holy Communion will take place on Saturday 26th September 2020 in St. Patrick and St. Colman's Church, Laurencetown at 11 am.
  • We would appreciate if all First Holy Communicants could be seated by 10.45 am.
  • A seat will be reserved for each child and their immediate family (maximum 6 people per seat).
  • We would respectfully ask that noise is kept to a minimum, especially when families are seated prior to the beginning of Mass. The children have been taught about the need to show reverence in the church and we would appreciate the co-operation of families.
  • All mobile telephones need to be switched off.
  • With regards photography, we would ask that parents/family members refrain from taking photographs during the First Communion Mass. Photographs will be taken by a member of the Parish website team. A whole group photograph will be taken at the end of mass and a copy given to each family.
  • Children for First Holy Communion will be invited by Canon Powell to receive the Eucharist first.

Some parents have been asking about fasting before receiving Communion. Whoever is to receive the blessed Eucharist is to abstain for at least one hour before Holy Communion from all food and drink with the sole exception of water and medicine. Pregnant women and the elderly are exempt from this. We should never come to Holy Communion with gum or sweets in our mouth. In fact we should refrain from chewing gum or eating sweets whenever we are in church, not just before Communion. We fast to help us prepare for and appreciate the sacredness of such a great gift.

Your co-operation is most appreciated.