Communion Schedule - Spring 2023

Thank you to all parents of First Holy Communion Candidates who came to our required parent meeting on March 14, 2023. I so much appreciate your attendance at these meetings because it respects my time and it guarantees that everyone is hearing the exact same information. If you missed the meeting, I have summarized the discussion of our meeting below. If you attended the meeting, please read on for expanded details. If any of you have ANY questions or concerns, please reach out to me! I am here to support you. Thank you for being the awesome parents that you are!!!

Blessings, 
Mary Acevedo, Director of Religious Education

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Pick up the April calendar during class time on March 28 and please prioritize our events on your family calendar. Nothing should take priority over our events: no musical event, no sports event, etc. Thank you!
2. First Holy Communion classes meet twice after the First Communion Mass - our last class is May 23. Please be sure to bring your children to class. Thank you!
3. The Google Classroom for First Holy Communion parents is open and you have been invited!
   1. Note that this classroom is a Google product, which is why you gave us a *G*mail last year during registration. 
   2. Please check your Gmail for the invitation - click on the link and enter the class; if you need a course code, use fh4g5uk . 
   3. Completing one module a week is a good pace. Open the module by clicking on it, then work from top to bottom -- don't skip around.
   4. Completing the classwork is a big bonus for your own faith life and for that of your family!
4. Parents are invited to stay and attend these very interesting classes with their children on the following dates: 
   1. April 18: Tour of the Church, part 1
   2. May 2: Tour of the Church, part 2
   3. May 16: Altar Servers Presentation
5. Between now and May 9, please actively review the Act of Contrition, Act of Hope, and Act of Love prayers at home every day.
6. Between now and May 14, please actively review how to receive Holy Communion in the hand or on the tongue at home regularly.
7. Until May 14, children are invited to come up in the Communion line at Mass, but they must still cross their arms over their chests and receive a blessing.

SCHEDULE OF REQUIRED EVENTS - no absences permitted for these events!

Sunday, March 26, 2023, 12:00pm noon Mass
Parents and children attend this Mass and then pass out their "pray for me" cards after Mass to random parishioners. These "pray for me" cards are not meant for relatives, catechists, or friends -- those people will already be praying for your child. These cards are meant for Holy Family parishioners who have watched your children grow up here at the parish.

Saturday, May 6, 2023, 8:15am - 11:30am Retreat & Rehearsal

1. Parents are invited to begin the retreat with us by attending the 8:30am Mass and staying for the duration of the retreat. Otherwise, you can drop off your child at 8:15 and come back at 10:30.
2. Parents must return at 10:30 and attend the rehearsal. You will receive important handouts and see where your child will sit and in which order s/he will receive First Communion.
3. Your children will leave with a "goodie bag" full of gifts from the parish - for girls, this is a Communion veil, and for boys, this is a white neck tie. See more details about clothing below.

Tuesday, May 9, 2023, 5:15pm-6:45pm Sacrament of First Reconciliation

1. Parents must stay with their child in the main church. Siblings, grandparents, godparents, and other family members are invited to attend this special event.
2. Dress code is "business casual" - twill pants and a polo shirt, a dress, a skirt and top, etc.
3. Please pray for your child as he or she is confessing.
4. Participation is "first-come, first-served." Children are free to leave after they have confessed. We hope you take this opportunity to celebrate!
5. If your child misses this Sacrament, he or she might not be able to receive First Holy Communion with the class on May 14. It is imperative that you call our office right away (772-337-4313) to make arrangements.

Sunday, May 14, 2023, 12:00pm noon Mass Sacrament of First Holy Communion

1. First Communicants arrive fully dressed (see below) in the Parish Hall between 11:20am and 11:30am. Parents and other guests will drop off the child and then proceed to the church to pray and wait.
2. No one will get up out of their seats to take photos during Mass. Everyone will pray and participate fully in worship during Mass.
3. No one will hire a photographer to take photos during Mass.
4. A group photo and individual photos will be taken with priests and catechists after the Communion Mass. Therefore, it is best to schedule any parties or dinners to begin after 2pm.

SHOPPING LIST
The proper dress code for boys:

1. Suit: navy blue or black
2. Shirt: white button down
3. Tie: white necktie (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
4. Socks: navy blue or black, to match suit pants
5. Shoes: black dress shoes, either lace-up or slip-on (no loafers/boaters, no sneakers/tennis shoes (even if they are black), no flip-flops/slides, no sandals, etc.)

The proper dress code for girls:

1. Dress: the white Communion dress must have sleeves. If you absolutely must buy a sleeveless dress, then you must also buy a white cover up, either a jacket or shrug, that must be worn while in the church. A shawl is not a good idea at this age because it will most likely slip off and bare the shoulders in church.
2. Veil: white Communion veil (do not purchase---this is a gift from the parish)
3. Socks: white socks or white tights/stockings
4. Shoes: White dress shoes, which should be flat or 1” heel maximum. For safety purposes, backless shoes and sandals are not permitted. Closed toe dress shoes (pumps) are the safest as the First Communicants will be walking around on the slick marble sanctuary floor.

**Shop for outfit:

1. We have a number of gently used Communion dresses, suits, and shoes available for free. They will be out on tables during classtime -- feel free to choose one!
2. JCPenney
3. Dillard's
4. Macy's
5. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
6. David's Bridal
7. Remember, you must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase a sleeveless dresses -- or get sleeves added by a tailor! Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page - she is a parishioner of Holy Family.

**Shop for gifts that reflect our Catholic faith!
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
ONLINE
Holy Land Art Company
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion