First communion invitation wording (with examples)
What to put on a first communion invitation, who sends it, when to send it, gift etiquette, and wording examples for a church service with a celebration afterwards.
The short version
- The parents invite, naming the child and the occasion: their First Holy Communion.
- Give both sets of details: the church service and the celebration afterwards.
- Send invitations three to four weeks ahead; parishes often set the date months in advance.
- Guests often give a religious keepsake or a card with money; no need to mention gifts.
A first communion invitation comes from the child's parents and gives two sets of details: the Mass or service where the child receives their First Holy Communion, and the gathering afterwards. Because parishes often celebrate first communions together, the church time is fixed; the celebration is where families have freedom.
What should the invitation include?
- The child's name and the occasion (First Holy Communion)
- The church, its address, the date and the time of the Mass
- The place and time of the celebration afterwards
- An RSVP date, mainly for the celebration
When should you send it?
Three to four weeks before. Godparents and grandparents appreciate hearing the date earlier, as soon as the parish confirms it, especially if they travel.
Wording you can use
Please join us as our daughter, Sophia Grace, receives her First Holy Communion. Sunday, May 9, at 10 AM, St. Mark's Church, 4 Church Lane. Lunch to follow at our home, 22 Oak Street. Kindly reply by April 25. Emma and James Porter
Noah is making his First Communion! Celebrate with us after Mass on Sunday, May 9: lunch and cake from 12 PM at The Boathouse. Let us know by April 25 if you can come.
What about gifts?
Guests often give a religious keepsake (a rosary, a cross, a children's Bible) or a card with money for the child. You do not need to mention gifts on the invitation.
We design first communion invitations to order, with replies collected online, for $49 once, and you see the finished invitation before you pay.
The church sets the time. The invitation's real job is to tell everyone where lunch is.
Common questions
What do you write on a first communion invitation?
The child's name and the occasion, the church with date and time of the Mass, the place and time of the celebration afterwards, and an RSVP date.
When should first communion invitations be sent?
Three to four weeks before, with an earlier heads-up to godparents and grandparents as soon as the parish confirms the date.
What is a good first communion gift?
A religious keepsake such as a rosary, a cross or a children's Bible, or a card with money for the child.
An invitation designed for your occasion
We design it for your event, with replies collected online, for $49 once. You see it finished before you pay.
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