This year’s feast of Corpus Christi on June 10 was made significant for 76 Primary 3 children at Church of the Risen Christ.

These children received their first Holy Communion at the 11am Mass that Sunday.

Parents, catechists and parishioners were present to share the children’s joy.

"Receiving the body and blood of Christ is important to me because I am a step closer to God," said Darren Cheong, one of the children.

The children had been preparing for the Sacrament of the Eucharist since April this year, when catechists brought in the parish altar servers, lectors and wardens to give presentations to deepen the children’s understanding of the Mass.

"There were different ministries every weekend sharing with the kids," said Susan Ong, level head for the Primary 3 catechists.

To commemorate their big day, the children also handed in artwork on cloth, which were exhibited in the church.

Using a variety of materials, they decorated pictures of a ciborium and paten. Susan described it as "a family activity that the children did with their parents".

In thanksgiving, the children performed a song, "Thank You Jesus", which was specially written for the occasion.

"The lyrics were written such that the children could identify with them," said Bernard Goh, composer and choirmaster of the Cantate Domino choir at Risen Christ.

"It showed their appreciation for their parents, catechists, and Jesus who came in the form of bread and wine which they received today."

The children also participated in the Mass by doing the readings and offertory.

"I'm sure the parishioners really felt that this was a special day for the children receiving their first Holy Communion," said Susan, mentioning that the feast of Corpus Christi should remind people of Holy Communion.