First communion invitation wording says who is receiving the sacrament, when and in which church, where you will celebrate afterwards and when guests should reply by. It can come from the parents or from the child. Below are 10 examples to copy. Send invitations only once the parish has confirmed the date, as it is the one detail you can’t decide yourself.
What should a first communion invitation include?
| Detail | Why | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Child’s name | The reason everyone is gathering | “our Lucy” |
| Date and time of Mass | Check it with the parish | “Sunday, May 9, at 10 am” |
| Church and town | Relatives often travel | “St Joseph’s Church, Cork” |
| Meal or party | Guests plan the whole day | “Lunch at 1 pm at…” |
| Reply deadline | Restaurants ask for numbers | “Please reply by April 25” |
| Note about the church | If the parish limits seats | “Please arrive by 9.30” |
The age for first communion and the arrangements vary by country and parish. Some parishes limit the number of seats per family, so check at the parents’ meeting before inviting every guest to the Mass.
Wording from the parents
We joyfully invite you to the First Holy Communion of our daughter [Name] on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Please join us afterwards for lunch at [restaurant, address]. Kindly reply by [date]. [Parents’ names]
Our [Name] has been preparing for months for the big day, and we would love you to be there. First Communion is on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. We’ll celebrate afterwards at [restaurant or home, address]. Let us know by [date] if you can come.
“Let the little children come to me.” In that joy, we invite you to celebrate with us [Name]’s First Communion, on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church, town]. Please reply by [date].
Wording from the child
Dear Grandma and Grandpa, On [Sunday, date], at [time], I will receive my First Communion at [church name], [town]. It would mean a lot to me to have you there. Afterwards we’re all going for lunch together. Love, [Name]
My big day is coming soon! I’m making my First Communion on [Sunday, date], at [time], at [church name], [town]. Come and celebrate with me, and there will be cake. Mum and Dad ask you to reply by [date]. [Name]
Hi! I’d like to invite you and your parents to the party after my First Communion. [Sunday, date], from [time], [venue, address]. There will be games and cake. Please reply by [date]. [Name]
Special situations
Our [Name] is making their First Communion on [Sunday, date]. The Mass is for close family, and we invite you to the celebration afterwards: at [time], at [restaurant, address]. Please reply by [date].
Because of the number of children, the parish has limited seats in church, so we invite you to lunch and the celebration after Mass, at [time], at [restaurant, address]. Thank you for understanding. We look forward to seeing you!
[Name]’s First Communion is on [Sunday, date], at [time], [church, town]. All the details are here: [link]. Please reply by [date].
We have not heard from you yet about the First Communion on [Sunday, date]. We confirm numbers with the restaurant on [date], so please let us know. Your presence means the most to us. If you would like to give something, [Name] would love [a book, a bike, savings].
When should you send first communion invitations?
Communions are often held in spring, when many families look for a restaurant at the same time. The timings below are our recommendation:
| Step | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Find out the date from the parish | as early as possible | Often at the parents’ meeting |
| Book the restaurant | as soon as the date is confirmed | The whole group has the same Sunday |
| Tell relatives who travel | 2–3 months before | A message is enough |
| Send the invitations | 4–6 weeks before | With a reply deadline |
| Reply deadline | 10–14 days before | As the restaurant requires |
Tips for the invitation
- Say what happens when. Mass and the meal are often at different times and places. Guests need both.
- Check the parish rules on photos. If there are any, you can mention them on the invitation.
- Involve your child. Let them choose the design or write one line. It will sound like them.
Mass, meal and replies in one place
Sealdate is a digital invitation platform for every occasion. You can put this wording into one of our first communion invitations, add the church and restaurant with a map and send the link in a message. Guests reply on the invitation and you see the numbers in your guest list. It is free for up to 20 guests, with a sealdate signature. Without the signature and with unlimited guests it costs €29 one-time. For an older child, see confirmation invitation wording, and for a baby, christening invitation wording.
Frequently asked questions
- What do you write in a first communion invitation?
- The child’s name, the date and time of Mass, the church and town, where you will celebrate afterwards and a reply deadline. It can come from the parents or from the child.
- When should you send first communion invitations?
- As soon as the parish confirms the date. We recommend four to six weeks ahead, with a reply deadline ten to fourteen days before. Tell relatives who travel two to three months ahead.
- When is first communion held?
- It varies by country and parish, and it is often in spring. The parish sets the exact date, so check with the parish office or at the parents’ meeting.
- Can I invite all my guests to the Mass?
- That depends on the parish. Some limit seats per family because of the number of children. Check before you send, and invite other guests to the meal and celebration after Mass.