Missed Fiirst Communion Mass...now what?

[ErikaM]

Hi. I am new here, and come with a question re: First Communion. My son just completed his First Communion year of study and was supposed to make his First Communion this past weekend. We missed the Mass–no, we did not oversleep or anything; it was for a legitimate reason–and now I am, well, to be honest, pretty heartbroken. My son was not happy to have to miss it–now he just wants to know when he can make it up!! He worked really hard all year, and was even supposed to read at Mass; so now the celebration will be less exciting–for lack of a really appropriate word. (Of course, we know the Sacrament itself is the thrilling thing; but you know how kids can be, esp. when the rest of your peers got to participate together, w/specila readings/homily/etc. “just for them…”) Anyways, I am sure that our priest will, of course, allow my son to make his First Communion at some other Mass. Is there an issue with timing? (It is my understanding that this particular sacramental celebration is supposed to take place before the Easter season ends, which I believe is on 31 May this year.) Maybe we can get the priest to allow it on my son’s birthday (the 18th) to make it that much more special for him… I guess that’s it…thanks in advance to you!

 

[nicolep]

Contact your pastor.

Personally, I don’t think having it on his birthday to make it “more special” is the right idea. It’s his First Holy Communion. It should be the most special event since baptism already.

 

[Seatuck]

Hi. I am new here, and come with a question re: First Communion. My son just completed his First Communion year of study and was supposed to make his First Communion this past weekend. We missed the Mass–no, we did not oversleep or anything; it was for a legitimate reason–and now I am, well, to be honest, pretty heartbroken. My son was not happy to have to miss it–now he just wants to know when he can make it up!! He worked really hard all year, and was even supposed to read at Mass; so now the celebration will be less exciting–for lack of a really appropriate word. (Of course, we know the Sacrament itself is the thrilling thing; but you know how kids can be, esp. when the rest of your peers got to participate together, w/specila readings/homily/etc. “just for them…”) Anyways, I am sure that our priest will, of course, allow my son to make his First Communion at some other Mass. Is there an issue with timing? (It is my understanding that this particular sacramental celebration is supposed to take place before the Easter season ends, which I believe is on 31 May this year.) Maybe we can get the priest to allow it on my son’s birthday (the 18th) to make it that much more special for him… I guess that’s it…thanks in advance to you!

Call up the CCD office and ask what you should do.This type of thing happens all the time . We have several weeks of 1st Communions here so there would be no problem to add a child on to one of the later dates. Otherwise , most likely the next available Sunday should be your child’s First Holy Communion day.Just make sure you go to the Priest not an EMOHC if you have those at your parish.
Don’t delay for a birthday. First Holy Communion is a very special day that deserves it’s own importance. If it was by chance that it was his birthday that’s one thing but to delay it is not showing the reverence that the Eucharist deserves IMHO.

 

[puzzleannie]

call the director of the communion program, she has a list of other children like your son who missed for whatever reason (we have whole parishes who have held up communions because of the flu crisis and school closings). Most likely you will be invited to bring him to communion in the context of the regular Sunday Mass your family attends, possibly allowed to reserve a front pew (no photos during Mass, please). Whatever celebration you plan can be at the convenience of your family. There is certainly no need for him to repeat the program or wait a year.

 

[CB_Catholic]

In our parish children are given the option to either receive with their class or make their First Communion at a regular Sunday Liturgy. There is no reason your son would have to wait a year to make his. I am sure it can be worked out fairly easily with your Pastor.

 

[ErikaM]

Thank you all for your responses…I appreciate that you took time out to think about my situation!

I already spoke to the RE director–she is a cute little nun!–who said I must speak with the parish priest. I am waiting for his call back. As far as waiting until my son’s birthday, it just happens to be the Monday after the weekend that we’ll be back at Mass. I suppose he can go ahead with First Communion on Sunday. But like one of you mentioned, no pictures! Maybe Father will allow it, as our parish is attached to a school and often have kid-related Masses with photos…but I don’t know. We’ll see…

As for the parishes that canceled the Masses for First Communion, wow! Have they been rescheduled yet? How long are they going to wait? My understanding is that our parish just did not use the Holy Wine…even though we are close, close, close to several confirmed swine flu cases! (I totally thought there would be no issue for my son, because I thought that surely our Masses, First Communion and otherwise, would get canceled!)

Thanks again!

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Hi. I am new here, and come with a question re: First Communion. My son just completed his First Communion year of study and was supposed to make his First Communion this past weekend. We missed the Mass–no, we did not oversleep or anything; it was for a legitimate reason–and now I am, well, to be honest, pretty heartbroken. My son was not happy to have to miss it–now he just wants to know when he can make it up!! He worked really hard all year, and was even supposed to read at Mass; so now the celebration will be less exciting–for lack of a really appropriate word. (Of course, we know the Sacrament itself is the thrilling thing; but you know how kids can be, esp. when the rest of your peers got to participate together, w/specila readings/homily/etc. “just for them…”) Anyways, I am sure that our priest will, of course, allow my son to make his First Communion at some other Mass. Is there an issue with timing? (It is my understanding that this particular sacramental celebration is supposed to take place before the Easter season ends, which I believe is on 31 May this year.) Maybe we can get the priest to allow it on my son’s birthday (the 18th) to make it that much more special for him… I guess that’s it…thanks in advance to you!

Contact the Pastor. There is no specific date deadline. Any Mass will do. Maybe the priest can make an announcement and allow him to receive before everyone else.