HEY FOLKS: What's with the mini wedding dress if you aren't going back to Mass after Communion?
FREE Catholic Classes
Father Paddy O'Kane from Ballymagroarty in the Diocese of Derry, Ireland, has criticized parents who stage an elaborate First Communion show for their children, then fail to return to church.
After their First Communion, many children do not return to Mass.
Highlights
Catholic Online (https://www.catholic.org)
5/31/2017 (6 years ago)
Published in Living Faith
Keywords: Priest, Catholic communion, promise, hypocrite
LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- The Catholic Herald has shared an op-ed from Fr. Paddy O'Kane of Ireland. The priest blasted parents who stage an elaborate, expensive First Communion for their children, complete with miniature tuxedoes and bridal gowns, then do not show up to church afterwards.
Fr. O'Kane said the practice is "...reduced to an orgy of sentimentality and materialism with miniature brides and bouncy castles and bursting bank accounts."
He posted his commentary on his parish website, reminding people of their baptismal promise to bring up their children in the faith. ‽That promise will only be kept if this is not a 'once off' occasion but the beginning of a new stage in his/her faith journey. Simply put, you must bring him/her to back to Mass again every weekend after his/her First Communion."
Fr. O'Kane is also concerned that for many children this is the last time their parents will bring them to Mass. He reported in 2015 that of 121 kids in the parish First Communion program, only 21 attended Mass the following Sunday.
If Catholics believe in their Church, in the existence of God, and the promises of Christ, then their behavior ought to reflect that. However, many Catholics, and Christians of other denominations live as virtual atheists. They skip church, they engage in immoral behavior, and only engage with their faith when they need something or are among practicing Christians.
This is not Christianity, but something less. It is common, as the number of children who skipped Mass following their First Communion reveals.
It is absurd to throw a lavish party only to stop attending church afterwards. What are parents celebrating?
Perhaps they are keeping up appearances, but there is another word for people who practice such behavior: hypocrite.
---
'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'
Copyright 2021 - Distributed by Catholic Online
Join the Movement
When you sign up below, you don't just join an email list - you're joining an entire movement for Free world class Catholic education.
-
Mysteries of the Rosary
-
St. Faustina Kowalska
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
-
Saint of the Day for Wednesday, Oct 4th, 2023
-
Popular Saints
-
St. Francis of Assisi
-
Bible
-
Female / Women Saints
-
7 Morning Prayers you need to get your day started with God
-
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Discalced Carmelites ask for Edith Stein to be declared 'Doctor of Truth'
-
Cinco de Mayo - What is the day really about?
-
Cinco de Mayo, the Fifth of May: A Day to Celebrate Heritage and History
-
Edith Stein: Could she be the next Doctor of the Church?
-
Chaplain Reveals Unrest at Columbia University Caused by Communists
Daily Catholic
- Daily Readings for Tuesday, May 07, 2024
- St. Rose Venerini: Saint of the Day for Tuesday, May 07, 2024
- Blessing of a New House: Prayer of the Day for Tuesday, May 07, 2024
- Daily Readings for Monday, May 06, 2024
- St. Dominic Savio: Saint of the Day for Monday, May 06, 2024
- Nurse's Prayer: Prayer of the Day for Monday, May 06, 2024
Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U.S. and International copyright laws, © Copyright 2024 Catholic Online. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. Your Catholic Voice Foundation has been granted a recognition of tax exemption under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Federal Tax Identification Number: 81-0596847. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law.