BSC KUCHING: 49 candidates from Blessed Sacrament Church Parish who had prepared for the sacrament of Eucharist since 2020, received their First Holy Communion (FHC) in groups of 4 – 5 within the period 12 May 2021 on the Feast of Ascension and Pentecost Sunday on 23 May.

The communicants from the English Sunday School with ages ranging 10 – 15, were previously scheduled to receive their FHC in September 2020. A total of 12 Masses were celebrated to accommodate them. The Masses adhered strictly to COVID-19 SOPs for religious activities that only allowed 12 persons to congregate at any one time.

This resulted in limiting one-parent per candidate to act as witness, and faith formatters multitasking as readers, wardens and photographers.

10 Masses were celebrated by the Rector of Blessed Sacrament Church, Fr Patrick Heng, with Fr Albert Jacobse presiding over two Masses. The FHC for the Chinese Sunday School candidates were done separately, presided by Fr Nicholas Ng.

Both Fr Patrick and Fr Albert spoke on the importance of the role of parents and guardians as main catechists, and hence instrumental in the faith formation of their children. The Church and Sunday School faith formators are only there to offer guidance and to help nurture their journey of faith.

All 49 communicants were prepared and briefed online prior to their FHC by Level 4 faith formators and Fr Patrick.

They received signed First Holy Communion Certificates at the end of Mass, much to the relief of their parents who expressed gratitude to everyone involved in organising the Masses.

By Ivy Chai
Photos: BFFC