Making preparations for the big day
As each year passes, the big day for every boy and girl in parishes throughout Ireland is surely the day they receive their First Holy Communion. It is a day which is eagerly looked forward to for the weeks and indeed the months, leading up to the actual event.
Next in line comes the sacrament of Confirmation and many of us can possibly recall being more than a little apprehensive about the dreaded ‘slap on the cheek’ which, our peers had informed us, would be administered by the bishop on the day.
Preparing a child for either sacrament is something which requires a certain amount of planning. Assuming that the child will be adequately enlightened as to the meaning and importance of the sacraments by both parents, teachers and clergy there is the preparation for the day itself to attend to. This is where this special feature should be of help to parents as it gives the services available to make the big day a success. We would also hope to stress the importance of the spiritual side of the preparations, lest the formalities and materialism take from the true meaning of the sacraments.
CHRISTIAN WAY
The sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation are extremely vital steps if we are to follow the Christian way of living. While everyone loves to dress up for that special occasion, pride of place must be given to the true meaning of the sacrament which is about to be administered.
Here is where parents, teachers and clergy play a vital role by delivering the spiritual message in a way which will forever be foremost in the minds of every boy and girl. Teachers in our national schools are to be congratulated for the interest they take in the First Communion and Confirmation class.
The clergy too play a big part and it is often the little seed sown at this time which, years on, become that great tree, sometimes leading to vocations to the religious life.
PARENTS’ ROLE
We can never stress enough the important role of parents - the task is greater than ever in instilling the Christian message in their children. Materialism and the affluence of today’s world provide very strong opposition when it comes to bringing children up on the right path.
It is still lovely to see children well behaved and having that all important respect for their peers - this kind of upbringing helps to keep society in the driving seat with less risk of problems arising all around us .
Together then, parents, teachers and the clergy combine to play an important role in moulding our young. Let co-operation and communication between the three continue to flourish in this respect.
DIGNIFIED WAY
Expense is the first word that comes to mind with regard to preparing for Holy Communion and Confirmation. Many parents are today stretched to the limit to provide their children with a dignified way of life and when it comes to a big day such as Holy Communion, then the pressure is all the greater.
Advertisers in this feature cover a wide range of services and readers are advised to seek the best value for money for such an occasion. Those who advertise here are well known local firms - business people who are there to serve you and who are there to give a proper back-up service when it is required.
PLAN AHEAD
While it is vital to keep costs to a minimum, parents nevertheless want to give their children the best possible turnout on their big day. Try to plan ahead, spreading the cost over a number of weeks will help you to get that little extra from the budget. It is really a matter of making the best possible use of the funds on hand.
LOCAL SHOPPING
‘The Outfit’ is possibly the greatest expense and in this regard, the towns in The Avondhu area can match the best that can be bought elsewhere. There is a good selection of shops offering varied outfits with prices to suit all pockets. We ask you to think Irish when you go out to buy that special outfit. After all, it is your children’s future that is at stake and each euro you spend on Irish-made goods, will help ensure they have a future here at home.
And, of course, you will also be helping the present workforce to maintain their jobs. While the Celtic Tiger economy is long gone, there are positive signs all around us. Shop local and buy Irish where possible, all of us can play our part in revitalising and improving the economic environment.
OVERALL BALANCE
Having your mind fixed on what will best suit your child before you go shopping can be of enormous advantage as it can be somewhat confusing when you are faced with shelves of material, styles and colours. Dresses come in all lengths and designs and it is important that you get an overall balance in the outfit you choose. Tall girls are best suited to calflength dresses and if she is blessed with lovely long hair, don’t tie it up but consider having the dress gathered at the waist.
Boys who are tall are best suited to longer length in the jacket and don’t be afraid to mix and match as the casual look can be most attractive. Where the boy is of shorter build, then an outfit of the one colour with short fitting jacket is possibly the best choice. Of course many now receive the sacraments in their school uniforms. Regarding the hair style, it is advisable to have it styled at least a week before the event.
OWN OUTFIT
Another important choice will, no doubt, be your own outfit. Don’t take short cuts with sizes and styles. Make sure to try it on for size and fit in the store and give pride of place to comfort. Now is not altogether the best time for deciding you should be a stone lighter - do not attempt to squeeze into an outfit a size smaller than is required as nothing looks more ridiculous.
Check it for size when sitting as well as standing and be aware of the proper colour which will enhance the better qualities which you have to your benefit.
The finishing touches with the proper accessories - shoes, hat, bag etc will make you feel a million dollars on the day. When you feel good about yourself, then all the family will have an enjoyable day.
THE MEAL
People in this area are blessed with the choice they have when it comes to eating out. Any special occasion nowadays is not complete without a nice meal and it is normally essential to make an advance booking on days of first Holy Communion and Confirmation. Restaurants offer varied menus and have a price range to suit all pockets and some have special offers. The home option is also now being taken up by more and more families, here again there are many options available to you as this feature shows!
SMILE PLEASE
When all the fuss and excitement of the big day is long past, it is lovely to sit back and look over the family album.
Photographs of the occasion normally raise many a laugh and are more appreciated with each passing year. Be careful here - we advise that you choose a photographer from this area, preferably one that is known to you. Your local photographer will give you the time and the service which you are entitled to and will ensure you get the best possible deal.
In some instances, it may be best to go along to your local photographer where you can benefit from the intimacy and privacy of their studio. This helps overcome the flush of shyness that may very well descend in the chapel yard before a crowd of curious onlookers.
We advise that you book one of the photographers in the locality who will give you service, quality and value for money. Many feature regularly on the pages of The Avondhu.