The day of your child’s first communion has arrived. You may have waited for this moment since the birth of your child. Communion is the big step in firming the Catholic belief of your child. There is a lot to do while making arrangements for your child’s first communion including sending communion invitations to the loved ones, shopping for the apparel, giving the gifts, etc. Among these exciting celebrations, do not forget the spirit of the communion day. Here are some of the things that you need to consider while streamlining your preparations with
Prepare your child spiritually
Your child must understand what the meaning of this Sacrament is. Although your child may have learned about this ceremony during Faith Formation classes but as a parent, you must teach your child the spirit of this ceremony. Talk to your child and tell him/her why you have sent first holy communion invitation to family and friends and why all are gathering in a church. Answer their questions and get them excited for this important ceremony. Tell your child the importance of Jesus in one’s life.
Take your child to Sunday Mass
Every Sunday, take your child to the church. Teach your child how important is to receive the body, soul, blood, and divinity of Jesus in Eucharist. Help your child understand why you are coming to the church, what a sacrament is, and how it will bring him/her closer to Jesus. Share your first communion day memories with your child. Talk in a way that a child understands easily. This way your child will more understand the meaning of the first communion and he/she will get excited for his/her big day.
First communion invitations
The next thing is to think about your child’s first communion invitations. There are so many creative confirmation invitations for a boy or a girl present online. Once of the best places online that allows you to customize almost every aspect of the card is a Basic Invite. You can ask your child to help you out in selecting the communion invitation cards. Making your child take part in his/her first communion preparation is an important step in raising the spirit of the ceremony.
First communion party
Traditionally, there is a small gathering of family and friends following the first communion of your child. Make all the arrangements for the after-party celebrations. For example, prepare the guest list; choose the confirmation invitation for a boy or girl. Decide whether you are going to host a dinner/lunch at your home or renting a restaurant. Then finally decide the food you are going to serve. Remember whatever you are going to serve, stick to your budget. Finally, finish off your party preparations with a good size cake.
First Communion photography
Since it is the first communion of your child, make sure you capture this great moment of his/her life in the best way possible. There is no need to be a fabulous photographer because you can take the services of a professional photographer. Hire a professional photographer and negotiate the service charges. Remember to include the charges of professional photographer services in your budget because you are the one who is going to pay him/her. If you cannot afford a professional photographer then you can click your child’s photos and edit them with professional editing tools. For example, Instagram and Picasa are great tools for professional editing for free.
First communion apparel
Another important thing for your child’s first communion ceremony is apparel. Dressing up for the first communion day is a tradition. Shopping for a boy’s suit is easy because the boy’s suits are versatile. But for a girl, it is even more special because she is going to wear it only for once. Take your child with you, buy the dress which fits your family traditions and off course your child. Also, do not force your child to buy something you like. It is your child’s first communion; let him/her decide what he/she would like to wear.
First Communion gifts
Your child is going to receive gifts on his/her first communion from the guests or even from you. Make sure your child knows the concept of gift-giving and understand the element of sacrifice of Eucharist. Tell your child that how Jesus sacrifice on the cross offering his Blood and Body to the Great Father as a gift. Help your child to understand that we give gifts to the people we love. Make sure that the gift you choose to give your child reflects his commitment and faith to God.
For example, you can give him a cross bracelet or chain, Bible, or a spiritual book. The first communion of your child is a momentous occasion. Celebrating this sacrament with friends and family is very special for the children. Simply making an appearance is the best gift you can give to the child.
