Chicago: The annual solemn First Holy Communion celebration of St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Parish, Morton Grove, will be held on Sunday, May 24. At the culmination of a year-long period of study and spiritual preparation, 21 children will receive the Holy Eucharist on this blessed occasion.

The sacred ceremonies will begin at 3:30 PM at St. Mary’s Knanaya Catholic Church, Morton Grove. Knanaya Region Director and Vicar General Fr. Thomas Mulavanaal, parish vicar Fr. Siju Mudakkodiyil, assistant vicar Fr. Aneesh Maveliputhenpurayil, Sacred Heart Knanaya Forane Parish Bensenville vicar Fr. Abraham Kalarickal, along with several other priests, will concelebrate the liturgical services.

The children receiving First Holy Communion this year are: Sena Chalunkal, Milana Cheriyathil, Ayla Chorath, Jeslet Edakkaraputhenpurayil, Evalina Idayadiyil, Reese Idassheril, Charlotte Kaimoolayil, Caitan Kaniyamparambil, Hannah Kizhavallil, Anjali Kunnassery, Theo Myalkkarappurath, Elvin Ozhungalil, Anabel Panangatt, Melvin Parel, Josh Polackal, Abel Puthenparambil, Nathan Thannichuvattil, Ishana Thenganatt, Melissa Vanchithanath, Emily Vandanur, and Jordan Vaniyakunnel.

Following the liturgical celebrations, a reception and dinner for the children and families will be held at 6:30 PM at Elm West Banquets in Elmhurst. Various cultural programs presented by the children and parents will also be part of the evening celebrations.

Extensive arrangements for the event are being coordinated by parents’ coordinator Justin Thenganatt, assistant coordinators Shiju Cheriyathil and Naveen Kaniyamparambil, Sunday School principal Saji Poothrikkayil, assistant principal Maneesh Kaimoolayil, catechism teachers led by Binu Edakkara and Jinu Nediyakala, parish trustees Xavier Nadupparambil, Sunny Kannala, Joby Polackal, Majo Kunnassery, Felix Palakan, along with numerous volunteers.

This year’s reception will be held at the new banquet venue:

Elm West Banquets
681 W North Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126

— Roy Chelamalayil