First Communion common practices?

[KimRaye]

I'm not Catholic and, I've only attended 1 or 2 of these years ago so, please help me.

dh's niece/Goddaughter is taking 1st comm next month. The invite seems to be for the party at the house afterwards. Wouldn't it seem her Godfather should be invited to the actual comm.? Her Godmother lives in Montana so, she's not coming.

And, if you have any suggestions on a nice gift (other than cash), please give me a clue. I've seen the Abbey Press catalog and Personal Creations catalog but, those plaques/frames, etc. seem kinda cheesey to me, if you know what I mean, for a young girl (or boy).

Thanks!

 

[kejoda]

Kim, it would depend on the size of the church. They can get quite crowded on Communion Masses so I would check with the parents. Small churches would have limits on how many can attend. So if its ok I would go.

As for a gift: crosses, roserys, something that holds roserys, Bibles, or other books. If you can find out her communion name you can find books about Saints with the same name.

I don't know of any websites. I have a shop close by that I go to but let me look.

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Is it possible that it's assumed that your DH (her godfather) would automatically go to the actual communion at the church? Yes, it would of course be logical that the godfather be there.

As for gift ideas I know there's been lots of good ones on the CB before (but like I can remember them now, LOL! so I'm sure you'll get lots more suggestions here) but for suggestions of my own how about something like a nice piece of jewlery... maybe a necklace or chain and locket.

 

[kejoda]

Goolge page. Have fun shopping!

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=catholic+shops&btnG=Google+Search

 

[shep]

Good answer Beccy..
I can't see why the Godparent wouldn't be at the mass though..They are a very important part and should be there if possible...

 

[KimRaye]

Thanks Beccy! And, I forgot about that communion name! Is this also the time when the child picks a 'sponsor' of their own? That's the first time I was ever involved with a 1st comm., I was my cousin's chosen sponsor and, she's got 3 kids of her own now so, you know how long it's been since I've done this!

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
Is it possible that it's assumed that your DH (her godfather) would automatically go to the actual communion at the church?

Maybe but, SIL didn't provide that info.

Jewelry idea sounds nice, something personal w/o being religious maybe?

 

[kejoda]

No, thats confirmation.

Your right Shep they should be there. someone should of told Kevins GP's

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Originally posted by KimRaye
I forgot about that communion name! Is this also the time when the child picks a 'sponsor' of their own?

No, actually the chosen name and sponsor is at Comfirmation not First Communion.

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by shep
I can't see why the Godparent wouldn't be at the mass though..They are a very important part and should be there if possible...

Thanks shep, that's what I thought. Maybe dh should OFFER to be there?

 

[kejoda]

Maybe that was a Saint that Kevin choose. I'll have to ask him when he wakes up tomorrow. I thought for sure they choose a name though.

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
No, actually the chosen name and sponsor is at Comfirmation not First Communion.

Ok, so BOTH are at confirmation then? Thanks #1!

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

Originally posted by KimRaye
Ok, so BOTH are at confirmation then? Thanks #1!

Yup! (That's how it was for me at least)

And I agree with all the suggestions about just asking if he should be there... seems logical since it makes sense for him to be there, but if there is a reason not (small church etc) that makes sense too!

Personally I like the idea of a religious card, with a not-so religious present especially if you don't know what to get. She's probably going to get a bunch of religious presents, and there's only so many bibles, crucifixes and plaques that a kid needs. I'm sticking with my necklace/locket suggestion, but I also thought of a regular type photo frame (maybe silver, engraved with her name and communion date that she could then put a first communion photo in), or an engraved pen and pencil set, or a nice watch for special occasions. Nah... those two ideas stink, LOL! Go with the necklace or wait for another suggestion. (How about a trip to Disney with her favorite Godfather and Aunt!? )

 

[Pin Wizard]

When DS made his First Communion, everyone was limited to the number of people that could attend church.

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by Pin Wizard
When DS made his First Communion, everyone was limited to the number of people that could attend church.

I completely understand that. My kids attend a Lutheran school/church and, when DS graduated it was 1st come-1st seated. When he was confirmed, it was one reserved pew for every family and, the rest could sit wherever. I even remember grammar school & HS graduation having paper 'tickets' issued to limit the number of guests and, my HS grad took place at the Arie Crown Theater!!!

However, I have never been in a small Catholic church but, I understand that even at the larger Catholic churches, they sometimes have split services for these things because of the high number of 'guests', too.

Thanks everyone, keep it coming!

 

[#1 Disney Fan]

I just wanted to add that I'm amazed and impressed at the number of responses so late at night! Whenever I need an answer so late at night (at least to some it is... to me this is prime study and work time, LOL!) I think I'm going to get you to ask it for me Kim!

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by #1 Disney Fan
I think I'm going to get you to ask it for me Kim!

Aww, bless your late-night heart #1!! Even I'm a bit surprised though! Thankful but, surprised!

 

[mamajoan]

ok.. don't scold me.. I know it is past my bedtime but I needed my late night fix!!

Ah Catholic First Communion.. depends on the parish on how they do the ceremony.. we've had three kids, at three different parishes.. with three completely different ceremonies and Class schedules.. I will tell you about the most current one.

We live in a town with a high Mexican population, with a strong Catholic History and rite of ceremony. It is a BIG deal here..
so the Parish split the communion recipients into groups of 10-15 at each mass for the entire Month of May! WHEW!
Cameo wore a plain Nice dress.. no big white fru fru.. she did not want it. However the dresses are gorgeous!!! Most of the boys wore slacks, white shirts and tie, the Mexican Girls did the whole thing.. big white dress, veil, rosary, candle, Bible, etc.etc.. Our parish did not limit the number attending the ceremony so Mass was very crowded the entire month. The church did well on donations that month too. Godparents are meant to be a part of the Catholic Childs Catholic upbringing.. therefore if possible the God Parents SHOULD be present for such an occasion
There are some lovely Catholic Bookstores in the Chicago area. They have all kinds of merchandise surrounding a First Communion. I vote on something special that she can have forever. Like a nice cross necklace.. also Precious Moments has a nice piece for First Communion..
Have a good time!
Joan

 

[KimRaye]

Originally posted by mamajoan
ok.. don't scold me.. I know it is past my bedtime but I needed my late night fix!!

.. also Precious Moments has a nice piece for First Communion..
Have a good time!
Joan

Already scolded!

Another good idea with the Precious Moments! I used to collect those myself! Thanks Joan!!!! (Now, get outta here!)

 

[snoopy]

My niece just had her first communion and she got a ton of Precious Moment stuff. We weren't invited to the ceremony either, at their parish its done after the Mass with only parishoners and immediate family. Not like the old days when every single person your parents knew were at your First Communion.