Sunshine is receiving her First Holy Communion later this month. She’s spent the last two years in Catechism classes at our local parish, preparing for this day. As a convert, I also remember my own years of preparation before receiving. It’s been neat to watch her journey toward this. Over the last two years, I’ve noticed that she’s definitely grown in her faith, becoming more attentive at Mass and more interested in prayer and confession.
If you also have a child celebrating First Communion this year, here are some tips and stories from other Catholic moms. I’ve also compiled a list of gift ideas for your little communicant.
This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Tips & Advice
Preparing Your Child’s Soul—seven great tips for helping your child get ready for their First Holy Communion.
When Religious Education Programs Thrive, We All Win—why a great parish catechism program is so important for our children’s faith.
Brother Francis presents Forgiven!—a fun, engaging TV show about the sacrament of reconciliation that walks your child through this important aspect of their faith.
“The preparation for this day, the First Holy Communion of our children, should be a holy rite and duty for every mother. We can learn from the family of St. Therese of Lisieux how the older sisters saw to it that the younger ones were prepared sufficiently for their great day.” ~ Maria Augusta von Trapp, Around the Year with the von Trapp Family
First Communion Stories
Henry’s Second Communion—Rabia shares her son’s joy about receiving the Eucharist for the second time.
Letting Your Child Go With God—a beautiful post about receiving the Eucharist on the tongue.
Nostalgia, and How Time Really Does Fly—a Catholic mom shares photos and memories of her kids’ First Communions as her last prepares to receive.
Fourth Time Lucky—several pre-Mass disasters help this family focus on what’s important during their daughter’s First Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion Gift Ideas
Instead of many worthless trinkets, one might buy a beautiful medal or a little cross for the child to wear, or a picture for his room, a reproduction of the old masters, or a beautiful statue. These are formative years, and it is our privilege to school the taste of our children, directing them away from the sweetish, coy plaster art, toward genuine art. ~ Maria Augusta von Trapp, Around the Year with the von Trapp Family
Happy Saints eBooks—these adorable books include buttons, posters, cards, prayer cards, and colouring pages; your child can print, colour and display her favourite saints or do craft activities.
Our Lady of Fatima—the story of how Mary appeared to three children at Fatima and encouraged them to pray the rosary is one of my girls’ favourite. This story is sure to encourage children to pray more themselves and to desire “the Hidden Jesus” (Eucarist) as St. Francisco did.
Saints and Heroes animated DVDs—get a DVD about your child’s favourite saint or Catholic hero from CCC of America.
DIY Rosary—order a customized rosary for your child to make (everything is included in the kit).
Holy Heroes Spiritual Diary Set—this diary includes quotes, prayers, guide to confession, space to write, and more. Holy Heroes also has lots of other great Catholic gifts for children.
North American Martyrs Kids Activity Book—this 135-page book includes bios and activities about 8 saints.
Blessed Immelda’s Eucharistic Miracle—share the story of Blessed Immelda, patron saint of First Communicants, with your children.
Precious Moments Holy Communion Music Box—give your daughter a pretty memento of her special day.
Jesus Speaks to Me on My First Holy Communion—this beautiful picture book will help children understand the Eucharist and what happens during their First Holy Communion.
What tips or advice would you share for a child’s First Communion? What gifts would you recommend?
2 Comments
I appreciate that you included bracelets and DIY rosaries as good first communion gifts. I have a ring that reminds me of some of my religious convictions and it is a helpful reminder that is always with me! Thanks for the tips! I’ll try hard to find meaningful ways to buy reminders as first communion gifts in the future!
It’s good to hear that your ring still means something to you! We do tend to be forgetful people who need physical reminders. 🙂 Thanks for sharing.