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First Communion: a repertoire for the children and the congregation

Celebrations · 6 June 2026 · Pierre-Arnaud Destremau

A First Communion brings together children who have prepared hymns and a wider congregation. The challenge: getting the two to sing together.

Letting children and congregation speak to each other

The children often know hymns worked on in catechesis. Choose ones with a refrain everyone takes up: the congregation carries it, the children lead it off.

The moments

Entrance

A festive, lively hymn that the children love to sing.

Communion

The heart of the day: a simple, beautiful Eucharistic hymn on the gift of the Bread. To be prepared with particular care.

Thanksgiving

A hymn of joy and gratitude, where the children can add a small gesture.

Advice

  • Coordinate with the catechists: take up what has been learned.
  • Avoid piling on too many new pieces on the day itself.
  • A brisk tempo holds the children's attention.
A reminder: only distribute scores or lyrics for works in the public domain, your own compositions, or duly authorised works.

Do you need a hymn written for your celebration? Write to me.

Frequently asked questions

Which hymns for a First Communion?

The central theme is the Eucharist: favour Divin mystère or Tu es là présent at communion, and a light hymn of praise at the sending. For the children, choose a repertoire that speaks to their experience: a God who gives himself, an intimate encounter.

How can the children be involved in the singing?

Involve them through the refrains they will have worked on in catechesis in the preceding weeks. One or two refrains are enough. A five-minute rehearsal before Mass with the cantor is very effective: the children gain confidence and carry the congregation along.

Can Glorious or Hopen hymns be used for young people?

Yes: these repertoires are written to carry young congregations. Check the SECLI licence if you print the lyrics in a booklet. Que tu es bon (Glorious), Sublime Amour (Hopen) or Tu fais ta demeure en nous are safe bets.

Hymns related to this article

The hymns from the albums Vivant and Ephata most relevant to this theme.

Listen to Cantiamo

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