52 receive First Communion in Santa Rosa/Malabar

Fifty-two children from the Santa Rosa/Malabar Parishes Cluster received their First Communion in the presence of their families, godparents, catechists, and other parishioners, during Holy Mass on November 7 and 21 respectively.

This marked the culmination of a year of preparation which began in October 2020 with an orientation session for parents/guardians and candidates and concluded with the children each receiving their sacrament of First Reconciliation on November 4 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Malabar and on November 5 at the Santa Rosa Church, Arima.

In observation of current health protocols and to ensure the community could witness the children’s momentous step in their Catholic faith, First Communion Day was organised into three occasions:18 children receiving First Eucharist on November 7 during the 8.30 a.m. Mass at the Church of the Holy Spirit.

Later that day, six children received theirs during 10.45 a.m. Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel, Pinto Road, Arima.

Fr Kizito Ameloko was the celebrant on both occasions.

Finally, 28 children received their First Eucharist from Fr Andrew Emenike during the 9 a.m. Mass at the Santa Rosa Church on November 21.

First Communion faith formation in the Santa Rosa/Malabar Cluster utilises a blended format whereby once-a-week online interaction between the catechist and the candidate is continued at home during the week by the domestic Church, the candidate’s family ensuring the continuation of learning and instruction until the next interface with the catechist.

A combination of Growing in Wisdom and the Blessed First Communion and Blessed First Reconciliation series comprise the main teaching resources used by the seven pairs of catechists and the parents to help the children grow in faith. There are 75 children in the current programme.

—Cluster Coordinator