First Communion - Holy Apostles Catholic Church

First Communion
2016
6300 North Meridian Rd.— Meridian, Idaho 83646
(208) 888-1182
Blanca Hutson & Theresa Malouf
Religious Education Co-Coordinators
Doctrine Overview: Eucharist
From the Our Sunday Visitor “Called to Celebrate Sacraments” Sourcebook
“Jesus said to them, ‘Amen, amen, I say to you,
unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and
drink his blood, you do not have life within
you’” (John 6:53). In embracing this clear
teaching of Christ, the Church has declared the
most Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist to be
the “source and summit of the Christian life” to
which all other Sacraments are bound and
oriented (CCC 1324 and Lumen Gentium 11).
Origin, Purpose, and Effects
Jesus established the Eucharist at the Last
Supper when he said, “This is my body… this is
my blood.” (Matthew 26:26-28). From the
beginning, the Church has always professed the
Blessed Sacrament to be the Body and Blood,
Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Council of
Trent expressed the miracle of the Eucharist as
transubstantiation—the complete change of
the substance of the bread and the wine into
the substance of the Body and Blood of Jesus
(CCC 1376).
The Eucharist has profound effects in the lives
of the faithful. It puts us in intimate union with
Jesus, renews and strengthens the grace of
Baptism, strengthens charity and wipes away
venial sins while also preserving from future sin,
unites us to one another in the Mystical Body of
Christ in his Church on earth, and so much more
(CCC 1331, 1391-1396). This feast and sacrifice
of God’s love is rich beyond all telling.
“ [The Eucharist] puts us in intimate union
with Jesus, renews and strengthens the grace
of Baptism, strengthens charity and wipes
away venial sins while also preserving from
future sin, unites us to one another in the
Mystical Body of Christ in his Church on
earth, and so much more.”
Receiving Holy Communion
St. Paul reminds us of the importance of being
properly disposed to receive the Eucharist:
“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks
the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to
answer for the body and blood of the Lord” (1
Corinthians 11:27). It is important that a person
go to the Sacrament of Penance first if he or she
is aware of unconfessed mortal sin. One should
also observe the required fast prior to receiving
(one hour in the Latin Church) (CCC 1385,
1387).
Though it is always offered in the Eucharist,
grace can only be received according to the
mode of the receiver. We must be open to the
Lord and all that he wants to give us, or the
grace he is offering in the Blessed Sacrament
will not produce its intended effects as
powerfully within us.
The Eucharist is received under two “species”—
the form of bread and the form of wine. While
receiving the Eucharist under both species is a
fuller symbol of what we are actually receiving,
we should recognize that to receive even the
tiniest fragment of the consecrated host or the
smallest particles of the consecrated wine is to
receive the fullness of the Body and Blood of
Jesus. For this reason, receiving under one
species is acceptable since Christ is equally
present in both (CCC 1390).
Jesus says to his Apostles (and to us), “I have
eagerly desired to eat this Passover with
you” (Luke 22:15). Overwhelmed with the love,
sacrifice, and feasting our Lord so lavishly
showers upon us in the Sacrament of the
Eucharist, let us always eagerly yearn to enter
into most intimate communion with him in the
Bread of Life.
Receiving First Communion
Parents: Please share these tips on reverence with your children.
Here are some ways we can show reverence and respect for the Eucharist:

Walk slowly toward the Eucharistic minister, reflecting that you are giving
yourself to Jesus as you receive the bread of life.

Bow reverently before receiving communion.

Receive both bread and wine (the Body & Blood of Jesus) when both are
offered.

Receive the bread by making a “throne” with your hands.

Say “Amen” loudly and clearly and look at the priest or Eucharistic minister.

If you choose not to receive from the cup, show respect when passing the
Blood of Christ with a slight bow or nod to the cup.

Bless yourself, fold your hands and prayerfully return to your seat.

Remain kneeling until all parishioners have received the sacrament. At Holy
Apostles, most parishioners remain kneeling until the Celebrant takes his seat.

Offer a silent prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus.

Sing the Communion song.
Here are some ways we can show reverence and respect for other persons who are
receiving the body of Christ:

Wait reverently for your turn. Be aware of others around you.

Give others the sign of peace and thoughtfully pray the Our Father.

Pray for others who are receiving the Eucharistic meal together with you at the
table of the Lord.

Sing the communion song with the community.

Keep a reverent silence (except for the song) after you have received the Body
& Blood of Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should my child wear at First Communion?
These are the Holy Apostles guidelines:




GIRLS should wear a white or pastel colored dress. The
length is optional. A veil or headpiece is optional. No
purses or gloves! Shoes are to be subtle and easy to wear
for walking.
BOYS should wear dress slacks or khakis and a dress shirt
of white or subtle color. A tie, vest or suit jacket is
optional. Dress shoes are recommended.
Accessories: Keep the child’s hands free during Mass – no
missals, purses or gloves. If your child wishes to have
these items for their photographs prior to Mass, that is
fine, but Mom or Dad will need to hang on to the items
during Mass.
While appropriate and special clothing is important for
this special occasion, it should not become the focus of
the occasion. Occasionally, parishioners donate
previously worn First Communion clothing to the RE
department. These will be available to you on a first come
first served basis.
What is the role of the 1st Communion Sponsor?





The 1st Communion Sponsor is an honorable position for a
person who has a special relationship with the 1st
Communicant. This could be a parent, Godparent, older
sibling, aunt /uncle or family friend.
The person your child chooses must be an active,
practicing Catholic who is able to fully participate in the
mass and receive Communion with your child.
The Sponsor’s primary role during the First Communion
Mass celebration will be to process into the church and to
sit with your child during Mass. Together, the child and
sponsor come forward to receive Communion. The
Sponsor also attends First Eucharist Rehearsal.
The role of the sponsor after 1st Communion is up to the
individual. Supporting and sharing in the spiritual life of
the child is appropriate.
The Sponsor’s name is due to the RE Office by March 8.
The sponsor’s name will appear in the 1st Communion
program.
What if we do not attend Mass regularly? Remember
the advice from Deacon Bob: Show your children that
you love your faith and they will too. Go to Mass
because you “want to not because you have to.” Love of
and knowledge of your faith is one of the greatest gifts
you can give your children.
The “Sunday Obligation” is explained this way in the
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) :
2180 The precept of the Church specifies the law of the
Lord more precisely: “On Sundays and other holy days of
obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the
Mass.” “The precept of participating in the Mass is
satisfied by assistance at a Mass which is celebrated
anywhere in a Catholic rite either on the holy day or
on the evening of the preceding day.”
2181 The Sunday Eucharist is the foundation and
confirmation of all Christian practice. For this reason
the faithful are obliged to participate in the Eucharist
on days of obligation, unless excused for a serious
reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or
dispensed by their own pastor. Those who
deliberately fail in this obligation commit a grave sin.
2182 Participation in the communal celebration of
the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and
of being faithful to Christ and to his Church. The
faithful give witness by this to their communion in
faith and charity. Together they testify to God’s
holiness and their hope of salvation. They strengthen
one another under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Is my child Ready? Does your child show a reverence
and a love for God? Does your child pray? Does your
child know the difference between ordinary bread
and wine and the Body and Blood of Jesus according
to his/her capacity? Has your child attended and
participated regularly in Religious Education classes
for Sacramental preparation? If the answer to these
questions is yes… your child is probably ready. If you
have concerns, please talk to your child’s Catechist or
RE Coordinator.
Where can I get learn more about the Catholic faith?
 The CCC is available on-line at usccb.org —or just
google “Catechism of the Catholic Church”
 Our curriculum website has information for parents
and activities for the children:
www.osvcurriculum.com
 There are also apps for your devices. “Laudate”
includes the daily readings & Saints, liturgy of the
hours, order of the Mass, a Catholic calendar, the
complete Catechism of the Catholic Church, the
complete Catholic Bible, Vatican documents… and
more! There is also a “Daily Saint” app, Rosary apps,
and many others. Your faith can literally always be at
your fingertips!
 Many reference books are available in the RE Library
for you to borrow or in the Library near the Holy
Apostles main office.
 We are happy to help answer your questions: email,
[email protected],
[email protected], or call us at 208-888-1182
 Fr. Len and Deacon Bob teach Adult Education classes
Tuesday 9:30 am and 6:30 pm. Deacon Bob teaches a
Bible Study class on Wednesday at 10:00am and
6:00pm. These are excellent ways to deepen your
understanding of our faith.
Holy Apostles
FIRST COMMUNION 2016
Important Dates
MARCH 8 The name of your child’s Sponsor is
due on or before March 8- The sponsor will
walk into Mass with your child; sit with him/
her during Mass & receive communion with
him/her. He/She must be an active, practicing
Catholic who is a special person in your child’s
life. Examples: Father, Mother, responsible
older sibling, God Parent, grandparent, family
friend, aunt or uncle.
Lenten Reconciliation Service — You and your
child are encouraged to receive the Sacrament
of Reconciliation before Easter/First
Communion. Watch the bulletin for dates.
APRIL 1 Permission form for the First Communion
Retreat is due
APRIL 4/5 Review and talk with Fr. Len. During
class, Fr. Len will talk to the 2nd Graders about
the Mass/Eucharist and the Real Presence of
Jesus. He will also answer any questions the
children may have.
APRIL 9: First Communion Retreat – Check-in will
begin at 3pm in the dining room. We will
attend 5pm Mass together. After mass, dinner
will be Pizza & fruit! We will finish the retreat
at 7:45pm in the Church. Parents are invited
to come at 7:15pm and participate in the
closing Adoration & Benediction.
April 11/12 — Room 103, Communion Practice
during Class, in the Church. Your child will
practice the protocol for receiving Communion
under both species (host & cup) – as both will
be offered at First Communion. With this in
mind, Father Len asks us to practice the
communion protocol using unconsecrated
wine one time so the children are not
surprised by the taste at First Communion.
Please let your Child’s Catechist know if you
do not want your child to practice receiving
from the cup.
APRIL 16/17: Our Father Prayer – At all of the
Masses this weekend, the Priest will invite the
children forward to help lead the praying of the
“Our Father”. Please make sure they come
forward to pray the “Our Father” with Father at
whichever Mass they will be attending this
weekend.
April 18/19 — Room 102 and Sacramental Prep.
Class: Communion Practice during Class, in the
Church. See description above
APRIL 25/26: Last Class!
April 30: First Communion Rehearsals. Child and
Sponsor must attend. Please meet in your child’s
classroom a few minutes before the start time so
we can start on time and stay on schedule.

9:00am for the Monday 4:30pm Classes—and
Sacramental Prep. Class
 10:30am for the Tuesday 4:30pm Classes
 12:00 noon for the Tuesday 6:30pm Classes
April 30 : 5pm — First Communion Mass for the
Monday 4:30pm Classes and Sacramental Prep.
Class -- Children & their sponsors arrive at
4:00pm to take sponsor pictures and class
pictures in the church.
MAY 1: 9am — First Communion Mass for the
Tuesday 4:30 Classes -- Children & their sponsors
arrive at 8:00am to take sponsor pictures and
class pictures.
11:00am Sunday First Communion Mass for the
Tuesday 6:30 Classes — Children & their
sponsors, arrive at 10:00 am and wait in the east
side of the courtyard or the classroom until the
church has cleared from the 9am Mass. Proceed
to the church for pictures when clear.
A reception will be held after each of the Masses in
the Dining Room . Please pick up your child’s
Sacrament certificate and gifts from the Parish at
the Reception.
Instructions for
First Communion Day
This information is provided so you can go over it with
your child and his/her sponsor. We will run through it at
rehearsal… but reading it with your child may give him or
her a better idea of what to expect on the Big Day.
The child will be on the Sponsor’s left once they have
looped around in front of the pews, entered from the
outside and are seated in the pew.
Before you Leave your house:
Fr. Len will invite the First Communicants forward to sit
with him on the steps while he talks with them during the
homily. Afterwards, they will go back to their seats.
Sponsors, please make sure your child sits on your left
when they come back from the Homily.
We recommend that the child have a light snack before
coming to church. This will not interfere with the 1 hour
fast before receiving communion because of the early
arrival time.
Arrival Time:
First Communicants & Sponsors should arrive 1 hour
before Mass “dressed and ready to go”. Please go
directly into the church* and line up in the designated
area for the “Child & Sponsor picture.”
*If you are at the 11am Mass, please stay by the east
end of the courtyard (or classroom) and wait there until
everyone from the 9:00am Mass has left. When the
church is mostly cleared, enter the Church for pictures.
(Father does not want anyone waiting in the entry before
Mass has ended)
Pictures:
Please bring your order envelope and payment with you
to First Communion Mass. (Envelopes will be given at
rehearsal on Saturday, April 30). It will be collected
when your child steps forward for their “Child &
Sponsor” picture before First Communion Mass.
Communicant & Sponsor picture will be first; the class
picture will follow.
After pictures have been taken, the sponsor needs to
make sure the communicant gets a drink of water, goes
to the bathroom and washes his/her hands, etc. Then,
proceed to their designated classroom and sit in their
designated seat by 15 minutes before the hour.
10 Minutes Before Mass :
We will start lining up (alphabetically and by Class) for
the procession.
Room 103 students on the left & 102 on the right. (Hint:
This may help your family decide where to sit for mass.)
Entrance Procession:
The sponsor and communicant will move as one. Hands
in prayer position
We will have 4 abreast processing in –
sponsor/child 103 – sponsor/child 102
Room 103 will process down the aisle on the left and will
be in the left pews facing the altar. (Sponsor leads into
the pew).
Room 102 will process down the aisle on the right and
will be in the right pews facing the altar. (Child leads
into the pew).
Homily:
Receiving Communion:
Communion Ushers will guide, alternate and pace the
communicants and sponsors.
The communicant will ALWAYS be on the left side of the
sponsor – the photographer will be taking pictures from
the left of the altar and Fr. Len will be on that side also.
1. The communicant & sponsor will stand side by side
and will bow together by the front pew and then step
forward to receive.
2. The communicant receives from Father Len and the
sponsor receives from the Deacon.
3. Make the sign of the cross and WITH HANDS IN
PRAYER POSITION, proceed to the Cup
4. Bow before receiving from the cup. Receive, and
make the sign of the cross
5. WITH HANDS IN PRAYER POSITION go back to their
pew and kneel.
The communicant and sponsor next in line wait by the first
pew. Once those receiving ahead of them have moved to
the side, they will bow and step forward to receive.
Normally at Holy Apostles we remain kneeling until
everyone in the congregation has received Communion.
Our sign to be seated is when the Celebrant is seated
after distribution of the Eucharist. However, at First
Communion the child and sponsor may be seated once all
the First Communicants have received and are back in
the pews.
Recessional:
At the end of Mass, First Communicants and Sponsors will
process out behind the altar servers. They will proceed to
the Dining Room where the rest of the family can join
them for the Reception.
Reception:
The CCW is hosting a reception for the Communicants and
their families in the Dining room. The whole parish family
is also invited to celebrate with cookies and punch in the
courtyard, weather permitting, or in the Gym.
Certificates and gifts for each communicant will be
arranged alphabetically on tables in the dining room.
First Communion Photographs:
Please do not take pictures during
Mass. Fr. MacMillan asks that the use
of individual cameras or video
equipment be limited to the times
before and after Mass. Mass is not to
be disrupted.

We have hired one professional
photographer to take pictures at First
Communion. He will take a class picture and
one of the First Communicant and Sponsor
before mass. During mass, he will take a
shot of the First Communicant while
receiving the Body of Christ. Having just one
photographer maintains the dignity of the
mass, allows the family to appreciate the
moment without worry of photography and
still provides a lasting image of this
important, spiritual event in your child’s life.

If you would like the Class picture,
Communion pictures or additional copies of
the child/sponsor picture, they may be
purchased. Ordering envelopes will be
distributed at rehearsal and will look like the
form to the right.

There will be an announcement in the
bulletin when the printed photos are
available to be picked up.

Even if you do not place an order, you will
still need to pick up your free (4x6) Child/
Sponsor Picture. Your child’s First
Communion Cross will be available for pickup at the same time.
You will receive one of these 4x6 free