The First Holy Communion (FHC) is normally the second sacrament of initiation into membership in our Church.

Requirements:

1. The Child, after having attended Sunday School while in Std. III shall normally be studying in the Fourth Standard or in other circumstances the minimum age is 10 years. Registration for the First Communion Class is a must, when the Fees of Rs. 500/- each are paid.
2. A copy of the child’s Catholic baptism certificate is required and it is submitted at the first registration for Sunday School.
3. The parents must be FULLY REGISTERED members of the parish. Exceptions are considered by the Parish Priest in special cases.
4. Classes in preparation are held every Sunday from 8.00 to 9.00 am.  At  St. Francis High School.   Attendance at these classes is compulsory. If a child misses more than 3 classes without being excused his/her registration is liable to be cancelled.
5. The primary importance to a child’s religious formation is the good example provided by the parents. The experience of a family attending Sunday Mass together is central to faith formation. The parents also foster religious formation by praying together, reading the Bible as a family regularly, the habit of blessing the child everyday etc.
6. Extra classes will be held as and when required. Attendance at these classes is also compulsory. The date and the timing of these classes will be announced at the appropriate time.
7. The date and time of the FHC Service will be decided by the Parish Priest in consultation with his team and the parents; for this purpose a meeting of parents will be called sometime in the month of July.
8. The Sacrament of First Reconciliation or Confession will be celebrated a few days prior to the date of receiving the First Holy Communion. The date and time for confessions will be announced at the appropriate time.

Instructions for First Holy Communion Day:

1. The parents are free to choose how their children should be attired for the FHC day. They should be dressed smartly but no special dress will be required except that the colour should be white. Expensive clothes are not encouraged. Remember, as a sign of respect for the Church and its members, all females (all ages) are required to cover their shoulders, (no strapless, sleeveless or short garments are permitted) – a shawl or other garment may be worn in Church and removed after exiting. Please inform your family and guests of this requirement. Please, no sports shoes for those receiving FHC.
2. On the day of the FHC, the children will receive the host under both species i.e. Bread and Wine, on the tongue. However, subsequent to the FHC celebration, the children are encouraged to receive Communion in the hand.
3. There will be a full rehearsal in order to practice for the FHC celebration. The priest will be present at this practice. Both the parents are also requested to be present for the final rehearsal before the FHC, the date and time of which will be announced at an appropriate time.
4. The candles for the FHC will be provided by the church. After the end of the FHC Eucharist blessed scapulars and rosaries will be given to the children.
5. Prior to the ceremony, parents will be required to attend a meeting. This meeting will provide instruction on how parents can prepare their children for the sacrament of Reconciliation and the sacrament of the Eucharist.
6. Please note: Purses, gloves, rosaries and other accessories can be worn for pictures before and after mass, but should not be worn during the mass as these tend to distract the children.
7. The photographer for the FHC Eucharist will be provided by the church. No other photographer will be allowed in the body of the church during the FHC service. Likewise, videography is also not allowed.
8. The FHC Certificates will be given only to those who are regular till the Sunday school closing day to be held in the last week of March. If your child remains absent from Catechism classes after the FHC, the child will miss out receiving the FHC certificate.