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)?

 

[nodito]

Will your Church offer programs at the Mass for the First Holy Communion? If so, you could request that they include in the program a note with the guidelines for reception of the Eucharist.

 

[Mrs_Sally]

Maybe consider sending announcements about the Mass itself and have any family gathering at separate time if you’ll be including many non-Catholics or non-practicing Catholics.

I also agree that the actual Mass program or an announcment before Mass is the time to include instructions on receiving. The National Basilica has a great statement that they include in their special programs, maybe your parish could copy that.

 

[gmarie21]

The program idea is great! I’ll have my husband talk to the DRE and Father about it. We have a LOT of family (my husband is one of eight, my parents are divorced and remarried and I have plenty of siblings between halves, wholes and steps, and I am in reunion with my bio-parents, so I am thankful for the fact that we can invite all we want).