First Holy Communion at St. Vincent Ferrer Church

NAUGATUCK - A Eucharistic Celebration of First Holy Communion was held at St. Vincent Ferrer Church in Naugatuck on May 10, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.

The main celebrant of the Mass was Rev. John Kuzhikottayil S.D.B, with Rev. Paul Vincent Toppo at concelebrant. The students processed into the church carrying white roses, which were collected and placed in front of a statue of the Blessed Mother.

Moira Doane gave a welcome address. Za'najia read the First Reading (Acts 2:42-47) and Nathan Klein stepped forward to read the Second Reading (1 Corinthians 10:16-17.) Eight of the students came forward to proclaim a Universal Prayer from the ambo.

Savannah Dooley read an Introduction to the Gifts as the gift bearers approached the altar to "set the table" with their gifts.

The First Communicants came forward before the congregation to receive Communion. Once all of the students had received the sacrament, the rest of the congregation stepped forward to receive.

The organist for the Mass was Joseph Faryniarz and Jeffrey Bingham and Nancy Sasso Janis served as cantors. The Processional Hymn was Dan Schutte's "Table of Plenty," and the Offertory Hymn was "Here at this Table," written by Janet Sullivan Whitaker.

As the students approached the altar with their families to receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time, the cantors sang "First Communion Song," an original composition by Nancy Sasso Janis.

After Communion, the children gathered in front of the altar to sing "Jesus My All," which was followed by the Recessional Hymn "I Want to Walk as a Child of Light."

Altar Servers included Annie Northrup, Jaiden George, Colin Northrup and Matthew Gutierrez. Nancy Hanson served as the Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.

Those who prepared the students expressed their gratitude to the parents in the printed program.

Whether you helped once, or on a regular basis, or simply reinforce your child's faith at home, your presence in your child's faith enriches our program and is very much appreciated.

The St. Vincent Ferrer Ladies Guild provided a bible for each of the children.

The First Holy Communicants included Hanna Gora, Jaiden Ortiz, Jayla Ortiz, Za'najia Clark, Jonathan Silva, Noah Silva, Luke Angelo Fernandez, Moira Doane, Mya Jones, Nathan Klein, Savannah Dooley, Nora Duque, Adrianna Occhino and Michael James Rykowski.

The Faith Formation Coordinators at St. Vincent are Michelle Batista and Michele LoRusso. Catechists include Donna Ayer, Harriet Buckman, Jacqueline Duman, Janis Howard, Rosemary Henault, and Suzanne Crean.

At the 10:30 Mass on May 13, some of the First Communicants participated in the May Crowning of the statue of Mary.