The Ceremony                                 
Our First Holy Communion Mass begins at 10:30 a.m. on April 18. All First Holy Communicants must be at church before 10:10 a.m.

Families have the option of having their child receive First Holy Communion during any Sunday Mass of the Easter season. If you prefer a different day, please call Jane Dotson at the Parish Office (632-3562) to make arrangements.

Attire
Boys should wear dress slacks, socks and shoes, with a white button-down shirt and a tie. Sport coats or suits are optional.

Girls should wear a white dress. A headpiece may be worn if you choose. Gloves are discouraged because they are not allowed during actual Holy Communion.

Photographer
No cameras or videos are permitted during the Mass. Please share this rule with your extended families. We have a professional photographer scheduled for the day. The photographer will be taking pictures during the Mass. We will take a group photo immediately after Mass. Individual poses will be taken after the group shot. Father Jim is willing to pose with the children.

We will make photographer’s order forms available at the Blessing Cup Retreat on March 7. When you receive it, keep your form and bring it with you to First Holy Communion. DO NOT GIVE THIS FORM TO THE PARISH OFFICE.

We plan to obtain a videographer and will have more information on the cost and orders at the Blessing Cup Retreat.

Baptismal Certificates
Every child receiving first communion must have a Baptismal Certificate on file in the parish office in order to receive communion. If your child was baptized at St. Clare, please email Jane Dotson at janeadotson@yahoo.com to let her know. If your child was baptized elsewhere, please make sure the office has a copy of the certificate.

Seating
First Holy Communicants will sit with their families. Because we have such a large class, families will be assigned a pew with a limited number of seats for immediate family. Pew assignments will be announced at the First Communion Rehearsal.

Afterward
Your child is invited to wear his/her First Holy Communion outfit at every Mass during the seven Sundays of the Easter season, if you wish, so everyone else can say, “Congratulations!” 

Posted February 2010