Growing in Faith Together: Celebrating Our First Communicants

On Sunday, 16 November 2025, our parish rejoiced as 29 children received the Sacrament of First Holy Communion during the 9.00 am Mass. This joyful celebration took place after the children had made their First Reconciliation earlier, preparing their hearts to receive Jesus in the Eucharist worthily and with reverence.

The Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Dominic Santhiyagu, who reminded the children of the profound mystery they were about to encounter. He emphasized that in Holy Communion they would receive Jesus Christ truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—and that the consecrated host and chalice are not mere symbols, but the Real Presence of our Lord, as taught by the Church and instituted by Christ Himself at the Last Supper.

In his homily, Fr. Dominic reflected on five important items that nurture and sustain our Catholic faith. He presented each item to several of the children as a reminder of the lifelong journey they have begun:

1. Holy Water – A reminder of our Baptism, the sacrament through which we are freed from sin, become children of God, and are welcomed into the life of the Church. Every time we bless ourselves with holy water, we recall our baptismal promises and our identity in Christ.
2. The Bible – The Word of God, living and active, which guides, teaches, and corrects us. Fr. Dominic encouraged the children to grow in friendship with God by listening to Scripture and allowing God’s Word to shape their daily lives.
3. The Rosary – A treasured prayer of the Church that leads us to Jesus through the loving intercession of Our Blessed Mother. The Rosary invites us to meditate on the mysteries of Christ’s life, helping us to discern God’s will and to remain steadfast in faith.
4. The Crucifix – Not merely a symbol of suffering, but a powerful sign of Christ’s sacrificial love. The crucifix reminds us that Jesus freely offered His life for our salvation and that the Cross is forever linked to the glory of the Resurrection.
5. The Church (represented through NBVM and SCIC mugs) – A sign of the Body of Christ, of which every baptised person is a member. Fr. Dominic highlighted that the Church is a community called to love, to serve, and to support one another as we live out our Christian mission in the world.

After receiving the Eucharist for the first time, the First Holy Communicants presented a beautiful song of thanksgiving, “Give Thanks,” expressing their gratitude for God’s boundless love and the precious gift of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Before the final blessing, Fr. Dominic expressed his deep appreciation to all the catechists who have accompanied the children over their four-year journey of faith formation. Their dedication, patience, and love have helped prepare the children to encounter God’s mercy in Reconciliation and His Real Presence in the Holy Eucharist. He also acknowledged the parents and guardians for nurturing the seeds of faith in their homes—reminding everyone that the family remains the first and most important school of Christian life.

At the end of the Mass, the Filipino community presented the parish with beautifully crafted parol—traditional star-shaped lanterns symbolising the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the newborn Christ. Fr. Dominic gratefully received the stars, which have since been placed around the church as a joyful reminder of the approaching Christmas season and the light of Christ that continues to shine for all nations. (KA)