Video | How To Prepare For Communion

What is Holy Communion?

First Communion (also called The Eucharist or Lord’s Supper) is a ceremony in some Christian traditions where a child, usually between the ages of seven and thirteen, first accepts the bread and wine of Christ.

When and where is it held?

First Holy Communion is held in a church in a special Holy Communion mass. This mass typically involves several children (the communicants) who are going through the process together. The service is open to the whole community and is usually held on a Sunday between May and July.

What to expect from the service?

The service will last for approximately an hour, but can take longer in certain cases. It will consist of prayers, hymns, readings and the communion itself. Children will receive their communion first, then any others will be invited to receive their communion if they wish. If you family still has the baptismal candle that was held for the child at their baptism, then bringing it is a great personal touch!

How to prepare for your child's communion?

1. The Church

First and foremost, you should contact the church where the occasion will be held and find out whether they have a specific dress code. Nowadays, most parishes are very relaxed with their dress code. So long as it’s formal and not overly flamboyant, then you should be fine but it should be known that some parishes only accept boys wearing a white suit. Usually, more than one child is involved in the Holy Communion, so it can be a good idea to get chatting to other parents to find out what their children will be wearing – not necessarily to match but just for a better idea of what to look for.

2. Colour & Style of Suit

There are countless styles and colours to choose from, traditionally a light ivory or white suit is appropriate but darker shades such as black or navy are now widely accepted as well, but currently, a popular choice tends to be a pure ivory or beige. A white shirt is always going to be the best option for this occasion since it is seen as the most formal, it portrays purity and also matches extremely well with a massive variety of colours.

3. The Accessories

When it comes to the tie, tradition suggests burgundy or royal blue, usually detailed with a chalice motif. Match with colours with beige or ivory for a memorable image whilst keeping in line with the tradition of the occasion.

4. The Shoes

Ultimately the shoes are dependent entirely on the colour of the suit you opt for – white poses a striking image with patent black shoes, a navy suit will always look handsome with a dark brown or tan pair, and black should always be worn with black shoes.

Finally, as we all know – boys will be boys – whether this is his first Communion or not, they tend to explore and get adventurous. Keep this in mind when buying a suit. Aim for a suit with light-weight fabrics which offer flexibility and movement. This is because something heavier can weigh down and be stiff, which isn’t what a boy appreciates! You should, however, go for sturdy fabrics that hold strong when fidgeting and playing.

Follow these rules and you should have a clothing-stress free Communion.

What to do if you've been invited to a Holy Communion?

Firstly, enjoy spending this special day with friends and family! You won’t be able to take photos at the church so make sure to get plenty outside to remember the day. It’s a good idea to bring a gift and card to commemorate this day for the child. Ordinarily, there’s a communion breakfast after the ceremony for everyone to celebrate together but celebrations often move onto a gathering at home or local venue.