Update 15 December 2021:
We will continue with First Communions at Sunday Mass through to the end of November, at either the 9:00 am or 12:00 pm Sunday Masses. We can accommodate two families at each Mass. We can only reserve one pew per family (6 persons) since our available seating is still limited due to 'social distancing' rules. Please email me at 'father.glass@gmail.com' to book a date/time.
Please bring your child for Confession before his/her First Communion. Our regular Confession times are Tuesday between 6:00 pm and 6:45 pm, and Saturday between 4:00 and 4:45 pm.
Hopefully, the attendance restrictions will be lifted in the near future, and we can do one or two dedicated First Communion Masses for those children who have still not received the Sacrament.
Please read previous updates and the 'original post' below for more information.
Update 11 October 2020:
Your child did his/her 'First' Confession in January 2020, but we always do another Confession shortly before First Communion. Originally scheduled for the Grade 2 retreat, this was cancelled because of the shutdown, so now will be done individually.
Original post:
We have begun our First Holy Communions for children who began their preparation last year.
It is very important that you review the lessons from last year, and go over with your child the meaning of the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist. Make sure your child knows the basic prayers, and the format for Confessions and the Act of Contrition!
Because of Covid restrictions on seating capacity we cannot have dedicated First Communion Masses. However, we can accommodate two families per Mass at our regular Sunday Masses at 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. The maximum number of attendees per family is limited by the number that can sit together in the same pew (about 6 adults). As we see how things go, we may be able to increase these numbers. If you wish to proceed with your child's First Communion with these restrictions, please contact me at 'father.glass@gmail.com' with your preferred dates and times. Please write 'First Communion 2020' in the subject line. We do not have a sign-up system, so it will be first-come-first-served.
Also please note that your child will need to come to Confession prior to the date of First Communion. Our Confession times are currently Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 6:50 pm; Saturday from 4:00 to 4:45 pm. I am also available before Mass on Sunday if you arrive at least 20 minutes early.
Hopefully, the lockdown restrictions will eventually be eased and we will able to increase our seating density. As soon as that happens we will proceed with the remainder of the First Communions at the 12:00 pm Sunday Masses with more children and larger family groups.
Thank you for your patience. This has been a trying time for all of us.
I will post updates on my 'Pastor's Desk' blog at 'stpaulsalliston.com'.
