Back in the day when I was still studying, my school had a First Holy Communion program for all Grade 3 students who were Roman Catholics. The parish near the school facilitated the event and our teachers were there to help out.
Our kids are homeschooled since birth, so as parents, we have to personally register them at our parish so they can be invited to their first Holy Communion. In this article, I would like to share our experience on how we registered, the process, and the events that followed in this important event of our son's Catholic life.
How to Register for First Holy Communion
In 2019 when our son was 8 years old, I missed the schedule for the first Holy Communion. Since they usually hold the event in March, the pandemic in 2020 prevented us from joining. It was only in 2023 that we were able to register Kuya. When I inquired earlier, the parish office said they do not have any schedules yet for the year and I just have to make a follow-up after a few months.
First Communion Requirements
In May 2023, they said that the schedule would be in July 2023 and gave me a list of the requirements to prepare:
- 1 copy of the PSA birth certificate
- Baptismal Certificate with the notation "For First Holy Communion Purposes"
I got the documents needed including the baptismal certificate (Php50 pesos per copy) from the church (a different church) where Kuya was baptized and submitted them to our parish office before June 30.
Together with the requirements, I filled out the registration form at our parish office. I was advised of the schedule of catechism classes, the first confession, and the mass for the first Holy Communion.
No payment for the 1st communion but they have mentioned that the children will be given a love offering envelope that they will bring to the priest at offertory during the mass.
Catechism, First Confession, and First Holy Communion
Catechism Classes
Kuya attended 4 sessions of catechism classes that were held in the parish. These were two weekends (Saturdays and Sundays), with each session lasting for 1-1.5 hours. He has to attend all sessions to be eligible to join the first confession and the mass.
The last session focused on practicing their entrances, prayer positions, seating arrangements, and proper positions when taking the Eucharist for the mass. They also practiced how they should approach the priest, procedures, and prayers for the first confession. There were more than 30 children of different ages and I appreciate the patience of the two ladies who presided over the classes.
First Confession
Their first confession was held on a Friday morning at 9AM. They were allowed to wear comfortable clothes that were suitable inside the church. We were asked to come in 45 minutes earlier so that the kids could be seated accordingly and the flow of the queue would be smoother. During this time also, they reviewed their prayers.
After Kuya's turn for a first confession with Father Joseph, the parish office reminded us of the required attire and mass for the next day.
First Holy Communion
The next morning, Kuya wore his white long sleeves, black slacks, and black leather shoes.
The girls on the other hand were asked to wear white dresses, closed shoes, and a white veil (belo).
The mass will start at 10AM. However we we asked to be early, by 9:15AM, for instructions and preparations.
After some reminders and a short practice, the kids were ready for the Holy Mass. I gave Kuya the love offering envelope and placed it inside his pocket.
The mass went smoothly and organized.
Kuya can now join us for communion during mass. Thank you, Lord.
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| with Father Joseph |
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| My son is now bigger than me! |
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