SAINT ELIZABETH ANN SETON CATHOLIC CHURCH 

FIRST COMMUNION DAY PREPARATION

Baptismal Certificates

The parish office requires a copy of the baptismal certificate for every child receiving First Communion. If the child was baptized at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, you do not need to submit a copy. 

Dress Code 

Girls typically wear a modest white dress that is at least knee-length, with shoulders covered and appropriate shoes. Boys should wear a suit, or dress pants with a button-down shirt, tie, and dress shoes. The focus is on simple, modest attire that shows reverence for the sacrament and does not distract from the solemnity of the occasion.

For girls

• Dress: White or ivory, modest style, with a hem that falls at or below the knee.
• Shoulders: Should be covered; a dress with straps (at least two inches thick) is often preferred, or a bolero or cardigan can be worn over a sleeveless dress.
• Shoes: White, low-heeled dress shoes. Open-toe shoes are usually fine, but high heels, flip-flops, or sneakers are not.
• Accessories: A white veil is optional. Gloves are sometimes worn but need to be removed before receiving communion. 

For boys

• Suit: A dark or white suit is a good option.
• Shirt: A white dress shirt is required.
• Tie: A tie is necessary.
• Pants: Dress pants. No jeans.
• Shoes: Dark dress shoes with dark socks. No athletic shoes, boots, or sneakers. 

Photography & Videography  

Pictures are encouraged following the celebration, but not during the liturgy. To preserve the dignity of the celebration there is to be no flash photography in church. Members of the assembly are not to leave their seats during the administration of the sacrament for the purpose of picture taking.   St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hires a single photographer to preserve the dignity of the celebration and to provide copies of the pictures to the families of the first communicants. No video. 

Godparents 

Godparents or sponsors are not required for First Communion.

However, since baptismal godparents solemnly promise to help parents educate their godchildren in the faith, they are expected to accompany them for the other sacraments of Christian initiation, such as the Eucharist (First Communion) and Confirmation.

The most important role of the baptismal godparent is to remain an example of faith for their godchild. This means they should be practicing Catholics with no impediment to receiving Communion at Mass.

In cultures that traditionally appoint godparents for First Communion, it is essential to ensure these chosen godparents meet this requirement and serve as true examples of faith for the child (i.e., Catholics who are permitted to receive Communion). 

Candles

A candle is not always necessary for First Communion, but it can be a meaningful and traditional part of the ceremony or a keepsake. Families that keep their child's baptismal candle may bring it. A First Communion candle symbolizes Jesus as the light of the world, who now comes to the child in the Sacrament. 

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton will provide a candle to be lit briefly during the Mass (after the reception of Holy Communion). 

Pews and Guests for First Communion

Each family of a child receiving First Communion will be assigned one pew. All other family guests should sit in the unreserved pews.

The parish hosts a reception immediately following each First Communion Mass. The reception is exclusively for the immediate family and close friends, such as godparents (if applicable). It is not open to all family acquaintances who attended the Mass. 

First Communion Banners

Each child preparing for First Communion makes a banner during the school year. These banners are used to decorate their family's assigned pew during the First Communion Mass. The parish provides the necessary materials, and the banners are created during one Sunday class session.