First Holy Communion invitations

[gmarie21]

Well, it’s that time of year and I am preparing to send out invitations to my daughter’s First Holy Communion. We have some family who are not Catholic, and a lot who are but haven’t stepped foot in a church since the last wedding or funeral in addition to other things (if you know what I mean). Have any of you ever included the guidelines for receiving the Eucharist in your invitations? There is no was I can have conversations with each invitee about the sacrament and receiving in a state of grace. Is there anything else that should be included (like saying that their children can cross their arms if walking up with their parents)?

 

[dailey]

Well, it’s that time of year and I am preparing to send out invitations to my daughter’s First Holy Communion. We have some family who are not Catholic, and a lot who are but haven’t stepped foot in a church since the last wedding or funeral in addition to other things (if you know what I mean). Have any of you ever included the guidelines for receiving the Eucharist in your invitations? There is no was I can have conversations with each invitee about the sacrament and receiving in a state of grace. Is there anything else that should be included (like saying that their children can cross their arms if walking up with their parents)?

My daughter is making her first communion too. They are only allowing us 4 people to attend church so we don’t have to worry about extended family. Maybe you could mention the times of confession in the invitation?

 

[agw123]

Didnt include the guidelines since 99% of our families on both sides are Catholic. our son’s first communion next month is during a normal 5pm saturday mass so the number of people we can have at the actual Mass is limited.

 

[Anna_Claire]

No…I would never include in an invitation an explanation about who can share in communion and who should not. Most people know the rules. If they don’t, I’m sure God makes exceptions on occasions such as this. Don’t worry about it. If your guests pick up a missalettes the instructions about communion are there. Then, it’s their decision.

 

[dailey]

No…I would never include in an invitation an explanation about who can share in communion and who should not. Most people know the rules. If they don’t, I’m sure God makes exceptions on occasions such as this. Don’t worry about it. If your guests pick up a missalettes the instructions about communion are there. Then, it’s their decision.

I was thinking something similar as far as posting the guidelines in the invitation. I suppose it could be done in a very subtle way? I have to disagree, though, with God making “exceptions” for these individuals. Never is it okay to receive communion when you are not worthy…

 

[Mary_Gail_36]

I would just not invite to the Mass. Invite them to the celebration following.

DD’s is coming up, we only are allowed who can fit in our pew. So there might be possibly enough room for us and then grandparents.

I think not inviting might be easier than to invite them and then have to worry about who should receive, who shouldn’t. It might take your focus away from your child’s special moment. I’m not sure if you have older children, but I felt such an emotional feeling when DS received for the first time.

I would avoid distractions like these.

 

[maryjk]

I can pretty much guarantee you that you are not the only person trying to figure out what to write.

I can also pretty much guarantee you that Father will say something before Communion starts.

There will be MANY MANY people there for Mass, including Mothers and Fathers that have not been to Confession, are not Catholic or for some other reason can not receive our Lord. I have never attended a First Communion Mass and NOT heard about who can receive and who shouldn’t.

 

[gmarie21]

I can pretty much guarantee you that you are not the only person trying to figure out what to write.

I can also pretty much guarantee you that Father will say something before Communion starts.

There will be MANY MANY people there for Mass, including Mothers and Fathers that have not been to Confession, are not Catholic or for some other reason can not receive our Lord. I have never attended a First Communion Mass and NOT heard about who can receive and who shouldn’t.

That’s the thing, father doesn’t say anything about it (it’s during the regular family mass, which is how I know, I’ve been to a few of them here).

 

[Phemie]

I can pretty much guarantee you that you are not the only person trying to figure out what to write.

I can also pretty much guarantee you that Father will say something before Communion starts.

There will be MANY MANY people there for Mass, including Mothers and Fathers that have not been to Confession, are not Catholic or for some other reason can not receive our Lord. I have never attended a First Communion Mass and NOT heard about who can receive and who shouldn’t.

I can honestly say that I have only ever heard something like that once, and never at a First Communion, Confirmation or wedding in any parish or diocese where I’ve been through the years. I heard it once at a funeral and even then it was directed strictly at non-Catholics, nothing was mentioned about being in a state of grace. And it was said by a retired priest who was here to provide pastoral care over the Christmas period.

I find it interesting that people on these boards are so concerned about this when I’ve seen our priests give Communion to the ministers of other faiths, people whom they knew were not Catholic. I also know that when he was approached before a funeral and asked if a non-Catholic Lieutenant-Governor could receive Communion, our former Bishop told the man’s aide-de-camp “Pretend you never asked me this question.” (The transitional deacon who was standing there almost had a stroke when he heard the response.) LG received.

 

[maryjk]

That’s the thing, father doesn’t say anything about it (it’s during the regular family mass, which is how I know, I’ve been to a few of them here).

At a regular Mass he wouldn’t. Sorry.

“We invite all properly disposed Catholics to join (Daughter’s Name) in receiving Our Lord.”

If your parish does blessings during Communion, you can add,

“For those not receiving Our Lord, you are welcome to join the line, crossing your arms over your chest, to indicate your desire for a Blessing.”

 

[Anna_Claire]

I believe that it’s an impossible task to try and deter certain family members from sharing in communion. It’s just not something to be concerned about. First communions are occurring all over the world. The wrath of God hasn’t been heard regarding those who approach the Table and shouldn’t. Spend time preparing your child and your immediate family for this wonderful Sacrament. Forget about judging others. It’s not up to you.

 

[arkwright]

As far as I can remember because it is a long time ago , I think my mother was the only family member present at my first Holy Communion , but she wasn’t present at my Baptism .

How times have changed .

 

[KCT]

If your parish provides a program for the Mass, perhaps you can ask that the guidelines be printed there.