First Holy Communion - how to prepare

[Onceuponatimethen]

Can anyone advise on this? We missed the first parents meeting as a result of signing up after it had happened (we didn’t realise).

My dh is Catholic. I wasn’t raised in a religious family and wasn’t baptised, but am keen to support dd doing first holy communion.

Dh isn’t being much use on what we do at home - do we buy a book to support the sessions? Is there a child-friendly basic book we can start with?

Sorry, I don’t know how to do selective quotes without including the whole post.
I don’t think concerns about making it all about the dress are “trying to be an arse”. I think the poster that made that remark probably had reasonable concerns, I’ve seen competitive FHC dressing and partying (Italian in-laws, as cited above) - it does happen, and I find it a bit sad, as the first communicant isn’t a doll to play dress-ups with. But, as I said, I had boys, so probably should restrain comments about dressing daughters for any occasion 🙂.

As for the white dress being essential….not necessarily. It’s tradition, found in many parts of the world. But it’s not canon law. Friend’s DD wore silver grey from a recent wedding party, with white cardigan, budget didn’t stretch to two dresses, parish priest told them there were more important things to worry about. The little girl looked lovely and appropriate and nobody blinked. (They’re looking at their own kids anyway). She wasn’t at all bothered about being a little different, some children would be, though, and that’s a valid concern for them.

You don't need to do anything. No prep is necessary. They will guide the children through it.

Thanks so much for all the advice. I’ve read it all and I bought the Katie goes to Mass book recommended - that looks perfect. I talked to a friendly neighbour who is also going to our church tonight as well - she said not to worry and ask her anything. There is a children’s liturgy and the mum who runs it is very kind.

I doubt FHC will be any kind of a circus at our church just because of how the priest is. He has a lovely down to earth manner and a really nice way of talking to the kids, so I think there will be a real focus on the importance of it and he will do a few nice stories to get it across at their level.

@DenimandLace, no I really wasn't trying to be arsey about it. I have seen it in my parish and diocese. And I also know that I as a 7-8 year old girl would have adored the dress and Fancy outfit, etc and it would have all been about that. No matter how well I was prepared. (I am a convert though and bought up C of E so wasn't an issue.

Veils, gloves and little bags are still very common in my parish.

I doubt FHC will be any kind of a circus at our church just because of how the priest is.

When I said circus, it was how our very down to earth priest described the over packed church with so many relatives (who don't usually go to mass) turning up. Personally I thought it was jolly. And for some reason they always have a big chocolate cake after the service....because that's always a good idea with little girls in white dresses, so I would advise to prepare with having a pack of baby wipes to hand.

I climbed a tree in my white broderie anglaise dress and veil in 1979 and then threw up something containing carrots on it. I was very popular.😀