Shopping for a First Communion Dress

This is something I've looked forward to ever since our little Princess was born!  I can't believe we are beginning the process of catechesis for her First Communion Day which will be coming up this May.  

More importantly than the dress is the reason for this occasion, which is the children receiving Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for the very first time.  I think it is easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose focus on the reason.  That being said, I admit that I am loving getting the chance to pick out a First Communion dress for her.  I want it to be something really special for a REALLY special day.  It is almost like picking out a wedding dress. 

Besides our local Catholic book store, which I will most definitely check out-- I really love supporting that business because it is so nice to have a Catholic store nearby-- I have found some online sources to be very helpful in comparing what the dress looks like. Nordstroms carries some nice dresses. I have picked two that I really like:

This one:

And this one:

We have plenty of time before making any choices, but this is such an exciting milestone for any Catholic as the next step in the faith journey and the second step to full initiation with the Church.


On Wednesday we have a meeting which will discuss all the details as far as what is required. The children need to attend classes specifically for learning all about the Eucharist and the importance of the Catholic belief in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. I like how our children come fully into the Faith in stages, just how they grow into full understanding in stages.


The usual way a child is initiated into the Catholic Church is through Baptism, preferably shortly after birth but it can be anytime before age 7; the next step is receiving First Holy Communion at around second grade or age 8; and finally Confirmation which is conferred during the teens.  The age of Confirmation varies depending on the rules of the Diocese in which they belong.  For example, in our Diocese, Confirmation takes place in the Junior or Senior year of High School after two years of preparation.

So, it seems, my little princess is growing up.  She will be able to receive Communion with us at Mass starting after her First Communion in May.  I remember when she was a toddler, one time my husband was carrying her in his arms up to Communion.  She was perplexed at why she didn't receive the Host when my husband did and I think maybe felt a little left out.  She held her hands out but instead of receiving a Host, she was given the usual blessing, as would anyone Catholic or non-Catholic who isn't able to receive.  The next Sunday, I think she must have thought to try a new tactic.  When she got to the front of the line, she looked up sweetly, held out her hands and asked, "Please?"  Which was very cute but still she received a blessing.  Soon, very soon, she will receive Jesus in the Eucharist and all the graces that come along with that.  We are very excited!

You Might be Catholic If.....

Many years ago, I had come across a list with this title and while most of it was true, it was also funny! I searched but couldn't find the original list. So I decided to make my own little list:

You Might be Catholic If....

When cleaning out your car, you find an assortment of items such as: holy cards, a Rosary, saints medals, a purple candle from Advent, or a collection of Mass bulletins.

You make the Sign of the Cross while passing a church.

You say prayers for the souls in Purgatory when driving past a cemetary.

You have a Holy Water font by your front door.

You practice natural family planning.

You have all of Scott Hahn's books.

You have a name for your Guardian Angel.

You pray the Rosary every day.

When you hear an ambulance siren, you pray a Hail Mary for the person inside.

You have a bottle of Holy Water in your purse.

You have read St. Therese's Story of a Soul many times.

The bookmarks in your computer have more than 50 Catholic sites.

You ask St. Anthony to help you find things. Daily.

You know that a vocation is more than just a job, it is also a calling.

You can quote Mother Teresa extensively.

Your TV is tuned to EWTN most of the time.

You celebrate your Confirmation Saint's feast day.

You are a Godparent to at least two children.

Your idea of current events is reading Catholic World News.

You have a drawer full of dried palms from prior Palm Sundays.

You regularly go to Confession.

You can name the seven Sacraments without blinking.

You know at least two nuns that still dress in religious Habits.

When you stub your toe, you "offer it up" for the souls in Purgatory.

You have a statue of Mary in your house.

You have a statue of Mary in your garden.

You coordinate your Sunday dress in liturgical colors.

You have a favorite pew.

You have a pro-life bumper sticker or two.

Your refrigerator is covered in prayer cards and Holy cards.

You have a Divine Mercy picture on your wall.

You have a Crucifix in each bedroom.

You know the patron saint of your profession.

Your car radio is tuned to the Catholic station.

You would never dream of missing Sunday Mass or a Holy Day of Obligation.

You know which days ARE Holy Days of Obligation.

You wear a crucifix, holy medal, or scapular. Or all three.

You are known on a first-name basis at your local Catholic bookstore.

You understand Latin.

Your favorite priest is Father Corapi.

You create lists titled, "You Might be Catholic If"