A Day of Grace: Celebrating First Holy Communion 2025 at the Church of the Good Shepherd, Setapak

On Saturday, November 8, 2025, the Church of the Good Shepherd, Setapak, was filled with joy and reverence as we celebrated a momentous milestone: the First Holy Communion Mass for the year 2025.

Forty-eight children from various language groups within our vibrant parish took this profound step, receiving the body and blood of Christ for the very first time. It was a beautiful culmination of a year of faithful learning and preparation, marking their full participation in the sacrificial banquet of the Eucharist.

Moments of Heartfelt Offering

The Mass was particularly special, marked by the active involvement of the children and their families.

• The Children’s Cross: During the Offertory procession, the children presented a beautiful cross to the altar, adorned with heartfelt messages and prayers written by each communicant. This symbolic offering represented their personal commitment to follow Christ.
• A Tapestry of Gratitude: The parents also participated in the Offertory, offering a variety of items to the altar, symbolizing the gifts, talents, and resources they dedicate to the Lord and the Church community.

A Song of Thanksgiving

As the Mass drew to a close, the newly initiated communicants came forward, forming a choir-like formation before the altar. Their presentation of the song, “Give Thanks,” was a poignant and moving finale, a sweet expression of gratitude that resonated through the church and truly touched the hearts of all who were present.

After the final blessing, the celebrations continued! Each of the 48 children was presented with their official First Holy Communion Certificate and a special packet of sweets, thoughtfully prepared by their dedicated parents.

Thank You to Our Dedicated Community

This momentous occasion would not have been possible without the unwavering support and dedication of many:

• To our Catechism Teachers: We extend our sincerest gratitude to the dedicated Standard 3 Catechism teachers who faithfully guided these young souls throughout the entire year, preparing them not just intellectually, but spiritually, for this sacrament. Your commitment is a blessing to our parish.
• To Our Beloved Parents: Thank you. Your unwavering support, constant encouragement, and generous provision in many ways ensured the success of this special day and, more importantly, the ongoing faith formation of your children.

A Message from Our Parish Priest

“My deepest thanks go out to our dedicated Catechism teachers and the supportive parents. Your commitment to nurturing the faith of these children is a true testament to the spirit of the Good Shepherd Parish.

To our 48 young communicants, remember that today is not a final destination, but the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus. The Eucharist is the very source and summit of our strength as Catholics—it is the bread of life given for you.

I encourage you all, especially our children, to return to this holy table frequently. Continue to come to Mass every Sunday, for it is here, in the presence of the Lord, that your faith will truly flourish. May the grace received today sustain you always.”

— Rev. Fr. Mitchel Joseph

We congratulate our newest communicants and pray that the grace they received on November 8th will continue to nourish and strengthen them throughout their lives in Christ.

More Photos Here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/fHYLfVWADAyx3z858 and https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZQy7QCQJunXk6iJj9