By Biby Thekkanattu
Houston / Missouri City: The annual Solemn Reception of First Holy Communion was celebrated with deep devotion and grandeur at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Houston on Saturday, May 2. Thirty children from the parish received the Holy Eucharist for the first time, welcoming the Divine Presence into their hearts.
The ceremony was led by parish vicar Rev. Fr. Abraham Mutholath. Concelebrants included Fr. Joshy Valiyaveettil, Fr. Thomas Methanath OSH, Fr. Joppan Chethikunnel Philip OSH, Fr. Lijo Kochuparambil, and Fr. Aneesh Parappanattu.
Dressed in white and carrying candles, the children prayerfully approached the altar and received the Holy Communion for the first time. Parents, relatives, and parishioners participated in the solemn celebration.
As part of the ceremony, the children were presented with Rosaries and Scapulars as symbols of their faith journey. The priests reminded the children of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith through the intercession of the Blessed Mother and the teachings of the Church.
The successful coordination of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of CCD Director Johnson Vattamattam, Sr. Joycy SJC, Lysa Chamakkalayil, Sheeba Thannichuvattil, parent coordinators Jose Chazhikattu and Deepthi Thannichuvattil, along with the support of other parents and volunteers.
Parish trustees Saji Marangattil, Sabu Karukapparambil, James Vadakkekara, and Jijo Vattamattam, together with parish executive members Sr. Reji SJC, Sr. Lisin SJC, Jose Pulikkathottil, and Biby Thekkanattu, ensured the flawless organization of the celebrations.
Special certificates were distributed to the children during the Sunday gathering following the ceremony. The active participation and support of parents and volunteers added beauty and warmth to the occasion. A fellowship meal was also arranged for the faithful after the celebration.
The First Holy Communion celebrations at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Forane Church Houston became a deeply spiritual and memorable experience for the entire parish community.
