DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC, OUR MAY 2020 CELEBRATION OF FIRST COMMUNION IS RESCHEDULED ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS. AN EMAIL WITH A SIGNUP FORM WAS SENT ON JULY 20 TO THE PARENTS OF THE FIRST COMMUNION GROUP 1 AND 2 CLASSES. IF YOU DID NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL, PLEASE CONTACT TINA SILVESTRO AT:

Communion, also called Eucharist, is one of the three Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism and Confirmation. Baptized children from Grade 2 and up can receive their First Communion.
To enroll in the 2nd or 3rd grade First Communion class, your child must have completed the Basic A class or its equilevent (ex. Grade 1 or 2 in another Religious Education program or in a Catholic School. ) Children in grades 4 and up must also have 2 years of Religious Education classes to receive First Communion and will be placed accordingly.

February 2020

Dear Parents,

First Communion for children will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2020 at the 12:10 Mass.
Please have children arrive by 11:45. The rehearsalis scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 at 6:30pm in the Church. Please enter through the rectory if the Church is closed.

Communion is one of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation in the Catholic Church. The other two Sacraments of Initiation are Baptism and Confirmation. Children are expected to continue taking part in the ongoing Religious Education Program before preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Sacraments of Initiation mark the beginning of a life of faith and Christian living. They are not just one-day events. Since parents are the first religious educators of their child, much of a child's training happens at home. Parents educate their children by praying together, attending Mass together, and by being an example of Christian living.

In preparation for First Communion it is necessary for your child to attend Sunday Mass and class each week. This is a vital part of her/his religious formation and practice.

Attached is a guideline of how the children should dress for First Communion. If you have any questions, please contact me at the parish office (212-877-3111) or at [email protected].

Many Blessings,
Tina Silvestro
Director of Religious Education

WHAT DO THE CHILDREN WEAR FOR FIRST COMMUNION?

Remember the focus for First Communion is on receiving Jesus in the Eucharist not on elaborate clothing.

GIRLS: Simple white dress appropriate for Mass
A simple headpiece of flowers/ribbons or very short white veil
White or black shoes, appropriate socks
Gloves should notbe worn in Church
Children will notbe able to carry anything in their hands (this includes flowers, purses,
candles, rosaries, etc.)

BOYS: Navy blue, black, white, or gray suit, or jacket and pants of contrasting colors
White shirt
Tie, shoes (no sneakers), socks to match suit
If you wish, a white carnation in the jacket lapel

PICTURES

THE TAKING OF PICTURES IS NOT PERMITTED DURING THE FIRST COMMUNION MASS. A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WILL BE THERE TO TAKE PICTURES. THE MASS IS A SACRED TIME OF PRAYER. WE ARE TEACHING THE CHILDREN TO STAY FOCUSED ON PRAYING AND RECEIVING COMMUNION AT MASS. WE MUST ALL BE AN EXAMPLE OF THIS TO THE CHILDREN AS WELL AS AN EXAMPLE OF COOPERATION. THE TAKING OF PICTURES DURING THE FIRST COMMUNION MASS HAS BEEN DISRUPTIVE TO THE MASS AND DISTRACTING TO THE CHILDREN. LET US HONOR THE SACREDNESS OF THIS SACRAMENT AND SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER WITH FULL PARTICIPATION AT MASS WITHOUT THE DISTRACTION OF CAMERAS AND FLASHES.
THERE WILL BE TIME AFTER MASS TO POSE FOR PICTURES.