PARENTS AND GUARDIANS

‘The programme brought the meaning of Holy Communion home to the children. There was none of the money stuff and clothes. Meeting Christ was the focus.’

‘It is a valuable programme for both parents and children. It encourages both parents and children to take an active role in First Communion and deepens its meaning to more than just a day out and nice clothes.’

‘The children became so familiar and at home, but still respectful, in the church.’

‘This programme has brought our family closer to God. Thank you.’

‘Looking up the Gospel story in the Bible was very enjoyable for myself and my son. I also feel the whole family benefited as he was talking about the story after Mass and looking forward to the next story.’

‘I sat in our church on Sunday for our daughter’s First Holy Communion with fifteen very relaxed, happy children and their families and their community. The months of preparation showed through and I knew for definite that this is the Church I want to live with and this is the faith I want to pass on. We have come a long way from when children were fearful, when parents were agitated and when teachers and priests were strict and forbidding. This Sunday we were part of the ceremony… not a show piece. This is real and there are no spectators; there are only participants.’

TEACHERS

‘Our work was easier. Children were familiar with the church and the Mass responses… no need for endless practices… less of a performance on the day of First Eucharist.’

PRIESTS AND PARISH TEAM MEMBERS

‘Do This in Memory was an answer to a prayer. We were looking for tools to involve the parents in the faith formation of their children and this was the perfect solution. The children are more active in their faith, know their prayers earlier and better, and others are asking how they can do this in their own parishes.’ (Fr Jeffrey Keyes CPPS, St Edward Catholic Church, Newark, CA, USA)

‘I can’t think of anything better to involve people who would not otherwise be involved.’

‘It is bringing parents and children to Mass who wouldn’t otherwise be there and it gives children an intimacy and ease with the Church.’

‘It created an awareness in the whole community of the importance of Holy Communion.’

‘You have given parishes a spark with which to light many faith communities. God is taking great delight in your work.’

‘During my forty years of priesthood I have continually tried many ways to make contact with the home. Do This in Memory has helped me to do this in a simple but effective way.’

‘Do This in Memory is the most effective pastoral strategy that I have worked with in the last ten years.’