Special First Communion mementofor St Teresa’s NS pupils
THE second class pupils of St Teresa’s National School in Kilflynn received a wonderful surprise recently when personalised candles were made to mark the First Holy Communion day they all wished for but had to be cancelled due of COVID-19.
The children were due to receive their first Holy Communion in early May, and needless to say they were disappointed at not being able to celebrate a day they had prepared for. But thanks to their teacher, Tina O’Connell, the occasion was not going to pass by unnoticed as she decided to mark the day by creating a video for the school’s Facebook page.
“I got the children to write a little prayer and fill in a chalice template with why their Holy Communion is important to them,” Tina said.
“It’s a big deal and a big day for them. I was heartbroken for them when I knew it would not be happening for them this school year. They had been telling me before the closure of their plans and about their outfits and dresses. I just wanted to do something special,” she said.
Tina asked parents for a picture of their child’s baptismal candle lighting, which were included in the video along with the psalm sung at the communion mass behind it and some messages from Tina, including a special poem she wrote for the children.
“It is such a milestone in their lives and we work very hard in school preparing for this special day. And, of course, there is major excitement for this first huge celebration in their lives that is all about them,” Tina said.
In return, Tina received a lovely surprise when the children composed their own video thanking her. All the children featured in the slideshow.
“It was so touching to see them all and smiling. I was so, so grateful to the parents for arranging this, I never expected it. I was totally humbled and just blown away,” Tina added.
But the surprise didn’t finish there. Michael and Sinéad McCarthy of The Kerry Wedding Store & Bridal Boutique saw the children’s post on Facebook. So taken was he by the display of warmth that he gifted all the second class children, including Tina, with a personalised candle to mark and remember the day that should have been.
“We want to wish a heartfelt thanks to all at Kerry Wedding Store from all of us in St. Teresa’s NS. It was such a fabulous gesture that will leave a never ending memory for all those families.