Notes from the First Communicant Parent Meeting February 2020

**Distribute the invitation to 4 families you recognize but do not know really well in our parish by March 31.
--------Anyone who missed the meeting will have to pick up their invitations. Mary and Kelly are in the office Mon, Thurs, Fri 8:30-4:30 (closed for lunch, please call before coming in 337-4313). If you need to pick them up during class time, you will need to come in BEFORE 5:00PM OR AFTER 6:40PM on class days. You will be asked to wait until all students and parents are out of the building after class.

**Make note of dates and times of upcoming events. Attendance at all of these events is required and mandatory.

• Invitations to parishioners due out by March 31.
• Rehearsal #1 is Friday, April 24, in the church. We begin at 5:15. Parents or another guardian must stay for rehearsal.
• Retreat is Saturday, April 25, in the Parish Hall. Drop your child off at 8:45. Parent must return and join the group at 11:40; dismissal no later than 12:30.
• Rehearsal #2 is Friday, May 1, in the church. We begin at 5:15. Parents or another guardian must stay for rehearsal.
• First Reconciliation is Saturday, May 2, in the church. Staggered arrival times:
  • Ms. Veronica and Ms. Marie's Tuesday night CP3 class will arrive in the church at 12:50, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 2:00.
  • Mr. Julio and Ms. Myrta's Wednesday night CP3 class will arrive in the church at 1:20, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 2:30.
  • Mr. Mark McInerney's Tuesday night PO2 class and Ms. Marielly's Wednesday night PO2 class will arrive in the church at 1:50, dismissed from the Parish Hall by 3:00.
• First Holy Communion is Sunday, May 3. Drop your child off in the Parish Hall at 11:30 promptly. Pick up your child in the Parish Hall at the reception; free to leave by 1:30. Mary recommends you schedule your parties at home to start after 2:30PM. 

No absences from the above mandatory events are allowed. If your child is absent, your child will not receive the sacraments with the group; in that case, we will be in contact with you and provide guidance individually.

SHARE THIS IMPORTANT INFORMATION WITH YOUR GUESTS:

1. ABSOLUTELY NO ROAMING DURING THE COMMUNION MASS. If you leave your seat to take photos during Mass, the ushers will escort you to the back of the church and you will need to stay there until after you receive Communion.
2. ABSOLUTELY NO PHOTOGRAPHY OR VIDEO-TAKING DURING THE LITURGY OF THE EUCHARIST. This is crass and inappropriate.
3. WE HAVE HIRED A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL GET THE PHOTOS YOU WANT BUT CANNOT GET. Please pray for your child during Mass and enjoy the moment instead of taking photos.

**Shop for outfit: see list here

1. JCPenney
2. Dillard's
3. Burlington
4. Once Upon a Child website and Facebook page
5. David's Bridal - You must also purchase a shrug, jacket, or sweater if you purchase any of these sleeveless dresses!
6. Alterations by Leslie's Facebook page

-------Anyone who missed the meeting will need to also pick up "the blue sheet." Be sure to ask for it during office hours listed above.

**Shop for gifts
LOCAL
St. Martin de Porres
St. Lucie
Holy Land Art Company
ONLINE
Autom: Reconciliation and Communion
The Catholic Company: Reconciliation and Communion
Catholic Gifts and More: Reconciliation and Communion
Sacred Heart Toys: Reconciliation and Communion

AFTER THE COMMUNION CEREMONY
**Encourage your child to wear his or her Communion dress or suit to weekend Mass for as long as he or she wants to! The Parish community loves to see this, and parishioners will often make a positive comment, give encouragement and congratulations, and pray for your child and you. Wearing the communion outfit through May is a beautiful gift for everyone.

**The day after receiving First Holy Communion, your child is eligible to be an Altar Server. Please talk to your child about this ministry, and if he or she is interested in joining, contact Mary. The option to join is always open, even if your child does not want to join right away. 

**If you don't want to keep your child's outfit as a keepsake, please consider donating it to our Program. We have some families in need who will benefit from your gift. If you use a suit or dress from our collection, there is no need to return it if you want to keep it as a keepsake. If you choose to donate or return, please clean the garments; we have no washing machine on premises to do that. Thank you!