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On June 11 St Dominic’s, in Downham Market Parish, joyfully celebrated five children receiving their First Holy Communion, marking a significant cross-generational occasion for the community. Janelle Cleghorn reports.
Billy, Francesca, Sophie, and siblings Mikey and Niamh received the Eucharist for the first time, fittingly on Corpus Christi — the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, from Fr Marc Homsey, visiting priest from the Diocese of Leeds, with Parish Priest, Fr Erico Falcão, overseeing the celebration.
For a small parish like St Dominic’s, this was a considerable occasion that brought together a cross-generational congregation. For the candidates, it was also an achievement in a journey that started in October 2022, when they had their first catechism class with Lourdes, the parish’s dedicated and commendable Catechist reprising her role.
With nine months of catechism classes preceding the day, the children confidently led the procession into church, participated in the readings, recited the Prayers of the Faithful, and carried through with the collection and offertory. Before the Concluding Rites, Mikey delivered a very passionate thank you address to the whole congregation, reserving heartfelt thanks to his mother for her role in his personal journey. After Mass, the children helped lead the Corpus Christi procession of the Blessed Sacrament around the Church grounds by scattering rose petals along the path of the procession. Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament then took place in the front garden of the Church.
The entire congregation then gathered in the Parish Rooms for drinks and nibbles, and the children were treated to a two-tier personalised cake along with countless congratulations, well wishes, and photo opportunities. The occasion was worthy of every bit of celebration.
The parish thanks the parents and families of the candidates for their unwavering support and for helping their children with their faith. The parish also thanks Fr Marc, whose niece was a candidate, for joining in the celebration and joyfully invites him back anytime. The parish also thanks all the helpers on that special day. Finally, the parish is extremely proud of the candidates and is committed to supporting them on their journey of faith.
