First Eucharist Communion Preparation Ideas
- The first time receiving the communion is a milestone for many Christians.D??coration table communion image by Fr??d??ric Massard from Fotolia.com
A believer's first Eucharist, or "Communion," is a milestone in a number of Christian faiths. Receiving first Communion, an offering of bread and wine intended as a symbol or embodiment of Jesus' sacrifice for humanity, also serves as a fundamental right of passage into the church community. The First Communion is accompanied with a number of ceremonial facets that vary slightly according to the sect of Christian faith you belong to and your individual parish. However, there are a number of segments of the ceremony that most parishes share. It is important that a First Communion candidate prepares for these well in advance to the actual day of the ceremony. - It is important to prepare the Communion prayers in advance through daily practice.prayer image by Daria Miroshnikova from Fotolia.com
On the day of the First Communion, candidates often have to recite a few prayers from memory. These are typically the "Our Father," "Morning Offering" and the "Hail Mary." All Communion candidates should know the exact procedures and materials that they should be familiar with from their Sunday school lessons. Non-traditional (adult) Communion candidates should be in contact with their Parish as to what training they must undergo in advance. A good way to memorize these is by breaking them up into parts, memorizing one segment per week through daily practice. If the Communion candidate is young, it can be helpful to try to make a bit of a song out of the words, or to recite them in a sing-song manner. The important thing is to make it fun and easy to remember. - Female communion recipients traditionally wear white dresses.white dress gown flower bouquet image by Paul Retherford from Fotolia.com
Shop for an appropriate dress or suit for the ceremony well in advance in order to avoid any last minute stress in case you have a hard time finding an outfit you are pleased with. Parishes have varying requirements as to what they deem appropriate First Communion attire, so be sure to check with your parish before going shopping. Most young recipients wear white dresses and suits, to symbolize the purity that results from receiving Communion. Make the purchase of a new outfit for this event an important experience that symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in life. - The First Communion is a milestone in a young candidate's relationship with God.a child"s prayer image by glinn from Fotolia.com
It is important that young candidates learn why this occasion is so important and how it brings with it a new commitment to the church and their relationship with God. Teach them to try to apply the lessons they learned through Communion preparation to their lives everyday by being a more thoughtful and understanding person. - A great way to recognize this big event is by having a party.party image by Silvia Bogdanski from Fotolia.com
Prepare for the celebration by planning a party to give the candidate and their closest friends and relatives a chance to celebrate this big event. Plan on having a meal and dessert, and maybe some Christian/Communion-oriented games and activities. Make a big card or poster available for those attending the celebration to offer their warm wishes and congratulations to the candidate.
