First Communion 2008

Retreat and Reception (link)

        Each year at Holy Angels as at many Catholic parishes groups of young people prepare for and receive the sacrament of the Eucharist for the first time. Our 2008 class included four of our youths who prepared under the guidance of Stephanie Whitley, Director of Religious Education, and Daryl Whitley, who was responsible for much of their training. Preparations concluded in a Saturday morning retreat and lunch accompanied by parents, godparents, or others close to the First Communicants, on the weekend before the big event.
          Since First Communion (held at the 11:00 am mass on Sunday, April 20) was celebrated within the Easter cycle, it included the sprinkling rites commemorating our baptism. Family members and First Communicants participated in the offering of gifts. Each of the First Communicants received the Eucharist followed by family members. Later, the First Communicants recited a special prayer and were given rosaries by godparents or others significant in their lives. Afterward a reception was held in the Parish Center.
          Photographs of the First Communion Mass are below. Photographs of the retreat and reception can be seen via the link above.