MAIN Home Life Entertaining First Holy Communion Party

The communion reception can be a simple family party or a lavish affair but it always centers on the person or child who has taken communion for the first time.

Especially in the Catholic church, First Holy Communion is a day that means a lot to the child...and to the whole family.

On the big day when children first partake in the communion ritual, boys are usually outfitted in fancy white or blue suits, while the girls are dressed in white satin or lace dresses, along with a white veil or other headdress attached to symbolize purity.

Afterwards, it's time for family pictures...and a special party to celebrate the occasion!

A first communion party may range anywhere from a casual family get-together, to a lavish open house where loved ones and relatives, friends and neighbors drop by to congratulate the child.

Appropriate gifts to the special communion girl or boy might include a pair of rosaries, a prayer book or Bible, religious medals or statues, or gifts of money tucked inside special First Communion greeting cards to help commemorate the day.

Around the Web, find out more about the First Holy Communion ritual including tips and ideas on arranging a celebration party to make the first communion fun as well as holy...

More about First Communion around the Web:

First Communion Party Ideas - Hear what other families are doing to celebrate the day in this busy forum at ThriftyFun.com

First Communion parties have become a big deal - And this site will help you make sure that yours is planned to be not only festive, but a wonderful memory for you and the Communion child to enjoy.

Rituals - The First Communion party has been a big deal for generations. This first person story gives a glimpse of how the Italian community in Camden, NJ celebrated—in the days when iceboxes kept food fresh... From Growing Up in Camden: Daughter of Immigrants by Inez Pontillo.

First Holy Communion Invitation and Announcement Wordings - Wondering what to say? Here are dozens of suggestions along with how to word the response cards and thank you notes...

Communion Party Activity Ideas - Party tips format is question and answer. This answer lists 7 activities that kids who are dressed in communion clothes can still have fun doing at their party.

Rites of Spring - Confirmation, First Communion, Coming of Age - Related story articles on the day's importance, with an opportunity to post a special First Communion congratulations message to your child online, from BeliefNet.com.

Communion of Children - This article in The Catholic Encyclopedia doesn't talk about the party. It gives a little bit of the history and meaning behind the Sacrament and First Holy Communion as we know it today.