Hispanic youth celebrate first Communion

An estimated 600 members of the Hispanic community gathered for what might have been the beginning of a new tradition.

For the first time, 50 Hispanic children received their first Communion at St. George Church in Baton Rouge during the vigil Mass on May 7 rather than at St. Pius X Church, also in Baton Rouge, home of the Hispanic Apostolate but a smaller church. The Saturday vigil Mass at St. George is celebrated in Spanish at 6 p.m.

“We decided to celebrate the first Communions in St. George because we wanted this important moment in the life of our family of faith to take place in a time and manner that could include broader participation from the wider community,” said Father Kevin Zubel CSsR, chaplain of the Hispanic Apostolate. He said that before the COVID-19 pandemic, first Communion was celebrated at a special Mass on a Sunday but not during the regular weekend Masses. 

“St. George had both the space and the team in place to give us confidence we could celebrate first Communion within a regularly-scheduled weekend Mass,” Father Zubel added. 

“It was really nice,” St. George pastor Father Paul Yi said. “Tradition (in the Hispanic community) is getting all kids, even boys, dressed in all white suits. The vast majority of both boys and girls were in their best white suits and dresses.”

Father Kevin Zubel CSsR celebrated the Mass and Father Yi delivered the homily. 

“We did consider the liturgy a great success,” Father Zubel said. “There were a lot of unknowns, but we were able to highlight the importance of the sacrament without causing the Mass to become ponderous or too long. 

“The presence of (Father Yi) also highlighted to the congregation that this event was important in the life of the parish, too, and not solely a celebration of the Hispanic community.”

Father Zubel said the pros and cons will be weighed regarding the possibility of holding the first Communion Mass in the future at St. George. He said the 6 p.m. time complicates the family parties and other reception, which must be taken into consideration.

“I would like to see it continue at St. George. It’s really nice to have for sure,” Father Yi said.

Father Zubel said those receiving Communion attend either public or charter schools, and did their sacrament preparation at St. Pius.