Preparation for First Communion

First Communion Retreat
Sunday, April 27, from 1:00–3:30 PM in the Cafeteria of Saint Thomas School
At least one parent needs to be present at 3 PM for an activity. 
This will include practice for the students.


First Communion Practice
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
6:30 PM – 7:15 PM in Church

First Communion
Sunday, May 4 at 2:00 PM at Saint Thomas Church
Picture Time 1:30, Need to arrive at Saint Thomas by 1:15 PM.

May Crowning
Monday, May 5 at 6:30 PM at Saint Thomas Parish
Students return dressed in their First Communion attire.
At May Crowning items to be blessed may be brought to Church.

Our God is Here - Youtube

Notes for First Communion

Prayer Cards
Saint Thomas will produce a prayer card for each student that will include their name and picture asking parishioners to pray for them as they prepare for their First Communion. 
*If you don’t want your student's photo included please let Mrs. Simons know
*If you don’t want your student's last name to be included please let Mrs. Simons know.

First Communion Banner – Mrs. Simons

Photos
A group picture will take place at 1:30 PM in front of the altar by a professional photographer.  Each student will receive one 8x10.  If you would like extra copies, please contact Elizabeth in the parish office at [email protected].  Cost is $15.

Families may take photos before and after Mass.  We ask that no photos be taken during the Mass, especially during the reception of Holy Communion. 

Streamed
The Mass will be live-streamed for those who are unable to attend in person.  Visit www.StThomasNKY.org and click the red “LIVE STREAMED MASSES” button.

Siblings who are servers     Please let Mrs. Simons know

Song - Our God is Here    

Seating
Each student will have 1 reserved pew.  Anyone you choose can sit in the pew.
The last 6 or so pews in the nave, and the pews by the Mary Altar will be open seating
Pews will be marked with the Communicants Banner
The First Communicant will sit on the end of the pew closest to the center aisle.
Pews will be assigned by random draw at the beginning of the Retreat

For the Distribution of Communion:
The First Communicant will come forward with their parents and receive together, kneeling in the center.
First Communicants may receive the Body of Christ in the hand or on the tongue.
The First Communicant and their parents come forward together to receive from Fr. Ross.
The rest of the pew goes to one of the other ministers. 
There will be ushers to help the flow.



Attire
Saint Thomas will provide a boutonnière for the boys and a wrist corsage for the girls.

Boys:
Dark suit or White suit 
Dress pants w/jacket, dress shirt 
Dress best pants w/vest, dress shirt 
Ties are encouraged, but optional
Suit jackets are not required
Not Appropriate for boys; 
No gym shoes or flip flops 
Please do not give your son any items to carry during Mass

Girls: 
White dress w/veil or simple hair decoration. (Veils are not required). 
Sunday best light/pastel color dress 
Not Appropriate attire for girls: 
No gloves 
Please do not give your daughter any items to carry during Mass (i.e. purse). 
No backless shoes or heels, flip-flops, or tennis shoes. 


Places to look online for First Communion Clothing:
Catholic Supply of Saint Louis
https://shop.catholicsupply.com/