First Communion - St Anthony’s style

By The First Communion Team

Kraainem (04 September 2005).- It’s wonderful at this time of year to sit back and reflect on First Communion Sundays – all the hard work the children and young adults put in to their preparations resulted in an enjoyable day. Hopefully it will be a day that they remember with great fondness as they grow up.

This year, as in previous years, the numbers were high enough to warrant us spreading the celebrations over two Sundays. A total of 57 young people made their First Holy
Communion this year, blessed with fantastic sunshine on both Sundays and a huge influx of family from across the globe. It’s always a family occasion here at St.Anthony’s and relatives and close family friends are warmly welcomed.

Since last September the children have worked their way through the Gold Book – ‘We celebrate the Eucharist’ – this is used as the basis for preparation, each chapter follows a theme which is expanded upon during classes by the teachers during our Sunday morning sessions. We look at rosary beads and talk about special Saints days. Fr.Vincent and Fr.John pop in and chat to the children and take time out to explain interesting facts about the vestments they wear when they celebrate mass.

A visit to the church, whilst it’s empty, gives us the opportunity to look at the Baptismal Font, the sacristy and explain what the tabernacle is. Every Sunday morning session ends with the two classes coming together to practice hymns for the big day. Aideen leads us with her guitar, her favourite is Ave Marie, she reminds us every week !!

We try to make our Sunday morning classes as much fun as possible and Jennifer introduced the ever popular ‘Holy Bingo” two years ago. Sadly we only have time for a couple of sessions each year but it is surprising how much is learned and remembered in anticipation of ‘full house’ !!

There are so many people in the parish who have helped us to prepare for the celebration of First Communion, it’s truly a parish joint venture. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped with this special celebration, but we would particularly like to thank the parents and children of the Class of 2005 for their commitment to First Communion at St. Anthony’s.

We look forward to welcoming the Class of 2006 in September, see you then.

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