Pandemic fails to put a stop to young students’ big day

Families make the most of the occasion as First Communion ceremonies hastily pulled together ahead of Level 3 restrictions

As Level 3 lockdown loomed upon on the nation last Tuesday two local schools decided that they were not going to let a pandemic get in the way of their student’s big day and arrangements were speedily made to bring the First Holy Communion ceremonies forward before level three restrictions came into play that night.

Lismullen NS and St Stephen’s NS Johnstown had been due to hold the ceremonies for the various classes throughout the week but intervention from Fr Michael Cahill ensured that the boys and girls keen to make their First Holy Communion would get their wish and six communion masses were held last Tuesday.

In an innovative move, the masses were live streamed on the parish’s website so those who couldn’t attend could still take part with over 800 views on the day.

Emma Jane Campbell O’Brien ’s son Oisin (8) from Johnstown is a second class student of Ms McGovern’s class in Lismullen N.S. Despite the quick change in plans, the mum of four says it was “one of the nicest” communions she had experienced due to the no-frills approach.

“Fr. Cahill was already doing two communions on Tuesday for St Stephen’s in Johnstown with another two to take place on Thursday and Lismullen was for the Friday and we got a text from the school to say that if people wanted it, Fr Cahill was happy to do the six communions on Tuesday before the restrictions came into play at midnight that night,” she said.

“With just four being allowed per family and we have four boys, Troy (17), Caoilinn (14), Ethan (10) and Oisin so instead of leaving any of them out we just decided not to bring of them so it was just myself and Oisin.

“It was probably one of the nicer ones out of the four because your child got to sit with you usually they sit at the front of the church with the other children.

“It was simple. It is one of the good things that has come out of this was that there was none of all of the crazy extravagant things people normally would do.”

Emma Jane’s husband Michael was unable to attend as he was working as a camera grip in Lahinch on a new Viking TV series. Michael, an ex army sergeant retrained to work in the film and TV industry after spending 26 years in the force.

“We had takeaway pizza and cookies and goodies at home after, a couple of neighbours dropped in cards and we watched a movie which was lovely.”

Eimear McGrane daughter’s Lucy from Walterstown also made her communion last Tuesday and the mum of three could not compliment all involved enough. She said:

“It was a phenomenal ceremony and for Fr Cahill and Jerry O'Donoghue the principal to pull it all together so well last minute speaks volumes. To have six communion masses and six classes so well prepared was amazing.”

Eimear, who is also mum to Evie (6) and Harry (seven months) and wife to Conor says “it was a day to remember.”

“It was a lovely intimate simple ceremony and that’s what made it so wonderful.”

Orla Maguire from Lismullen NS Parents Association explains how the parents and school rallied around to ensure children had a communion week to remember:

“We normally host a lovely reception for our First Holy Communion families, after the ceremony. This was not possible this year but the PA got together and we provided a wonderful party for the children in school on Friday.

“Individual goodie boxes were made up for each child, and we provided two fabulous celebration cakes, balloons and decorations for the classroom. All prepared in compliance with the restrictions and quarantined for 72 hours!”