Annual First Communion Rites at CTK

CTK held its annual Qirst communion rites last November 17, Saturday, 2 pm at the Divine Mercy Chapel. 30 children received their first Holy Eucharist from Fr. Louie Punzalan SVD, the current chaplain of the De La Salle High School.

The children were were from public schools, international schools or home- schooled, which do not offer this service. In 2016, there were eight first communicants; last year, there were 20, or a 150% increase. This year saw a 50% jump in the number.

The children occupied the front pews and some read the responsorial psalm and prayers of the faithful, as well as participated in the offertory. At communion time, they lined up with their parents on each side, knelt on the kneeler provided, took the Eucharist by mouth, then made way for the next first communicant.

Receiving their First Communion were, in alphabetical order:

Adrian Antonio; Layla Barinaga; Hansen Baroro; Pristine Barrameda; Alexandra Barrat; Mishka Bernardo; Eli Castillo; Nina Chupungco; Juan Dearos; Julian Diño; Ben Dionisio; Elai Estrella; Erin Kawpeng; Frances Lanuza; Ijo Larios; Bea Maligat; Martie Medrano; Ansel Miñas; Matthew Miravite; Nate Miravite; Michael Ortiz; Gabby Pascual; James Pendon; Bea Querimit; Rysse Rodriguez; Jade Santos; Lance Tan; Joshua Torres; Ava Unson; and Jared Valenzuela.

The First Communion catechesis and rites have always been organized by the Catechetical Ministry, co-headed by Alma Yeh and Sheryl Coronel. This year, they were assisted by Mina Mejia of the Mustard Seed Ministry. From September 22 to November 3, the children went through seven Saturday afternoon catechism classes in preparation for First Communion. Helping out with the communicants’ catechesis were – Mina Mejia, Aileen Rodas with daughter Abrie, and Mon and Frances Bernardo, whose daughter Mishka was also a communicant. Alma Yeh also acknowledged Rosanne Unson, one of the homeschooling moms who provided the veils for the girls.