Instructions for first communicants, new Catholics taking part in June 19 eucharistic procession

Criterion staff report

Individuals who have received their first Communion this year, or those who entered the Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults at the Easter Vigil, are invited on June 19 to participate in the eucharistic procession with Archbishop Charles C. Thompson.

These participants should gather at 3:30 p.m. at the Assembly Hall (gym) at the Archbishop Edward T. O’Meara Catholic Center, 1400 N. Meridian St., in Indianapolis. Enter the Catholic Center via the main doors on west side (Illinois Street). First communicants should arrive at the Assembly Hall (the gym). One parent per first Communicant (or a chaperone approved by your parish catechetical leader or principal) will walk in the procession.

Please arrive having eaten lunch, attended Mass on Saturday evening or early Sunday morning—and be well-hydrated. First communicants are invited to wear their first Communion attire, weather-permitting, as well as comfortable walking shoes. All first communicants will receive a medal blessed by Archbishop Thompson.

Newly initiated adults may be accompanied by their sponsor or one other friend or family member. Newly initiated adults will also receive a medal blessed by Archbishop Thompson.

At about 4:15 p.m., first communicants and chaperones, as well as newly initiated adults and sponsors, will start the procession down Illinois Street to St. John the Evangelist Church (at the corner of Georgia Street and Capital Avenue). Additional family members, if present, are encouraged to line the procession route on Illinois Street rather than walking in the procession; family members can also proceed to St. John and welcome their first communicant and/or a newly initiated adult when the procession ends.

Around 5:45 p.m., when the procession ends at St. John, first communicants, newly initiated adults and their families and/or sponsors can either participate in a holy hour (eucharistic adoration) at the church or take a free shuttle to return to their vehicles for the journey home. 

A free shuttle will run back and forth between the Catholic Center (Illinois Street entrance) and the Indiana Convention Center (corner of Maryland Street and Capitol Avenue) every 15 minutes from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. †
 

Learn more about the Eucharistic Revival here