Receiving the Body of Christ for the first time is a major milestone in our Catholic faith. When we receive Jesus in the Eucharist (Communion), we are becoming one with God because it is the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and not only a symbol. To prepare ourselves to receive Eucharist, we also prepare for and receive the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession, Penance) prior to receiving one’s first Eucharist.
Preparation for First EucharistPreparation for Grade 1-4 children include:
First Eucharist Logistics
In the springtime, Saint Matthew the Evangelist will hold several First Eucharist Masses. These Masses will be separate from the regularly scheduled weekend Masses and will most likely be held during the month of May.
Watch for additional information that will be provided throughout the year.First Eucharist Attire (What should my child wear?)
Your child is welcome to wear to his/her special attire for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion (such as traditional / special dresses and suits) or his/her Sunday Easter Best.
Communion Clothes Closet
The Communion Clothes Closet Program encourages parishioners and families to donate First Holy Communion dresses and suits that are new or no longer needed so they may be used/reused by other families. The outfits are borrowed, worn, cleaned, and then returned to the Communion Closet to be used once again.
We have pretty dresses and handsome suits, as well as accessories such as shoes and veils, that are available for our First Holy Communicants to borrow at the Parish Hall.
Please feel free to contact Karyn Moody to schedule a time to browse and borrow these outfits for your child’s upcoming special day.
We frequently get asked where a family may shop for the special clothes for this special day. We have been advised of:
Good Hearts Children’s Shop – Reading, MA
Prospect Hill Company – Brockton, MA
If you have additional suggestions for this list, please contact Karyn Moody.