By Martina Juan
KUCHING — The First Holy Communion (FHC) Mass marked a significant milestone for 78 students from the English session Sunday School of Blessed Sacrament Church (BSC) who had been preparing for this special sacrament since the beginning of the year.
On 19 October 2025, they joyfully received their First Holy Communion, thanks to the dedicated efforts of their teachers and two Seminarian brothers who helped guide them through the process.
During the Mass, Rev Fr Leonard Yap emphasised that, as it was the children’s first time receiving the Eucharist, they should receive it on their tongues. He also reminded them of the importance of responding correctly when receiving the sacrament.
The preparation for this important day included a Retreat held on 20 September 2025, and the Sacrament of Reconciliation on 11 October 2025. The students also participated in sessions led by their teachers and the Seminarian brother, where they practiced the proper way to go to Confession and receive the Eucharist. They had been attending classes regularly since January 2025, with the majority showing nearly 75% attendance.
During his homily, Fr Leonard Yap spoke to both the students and their parents about the lifelong commitment of the Catholic faith. He began by reminding them of Jesus’ question: “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?” Our faith must continue to grow, especially after receiving the Sacraments.
He explained that the Sacraments are gifts from God — treasures that we receive not only with our eyes and mind but also with faith. The Eucharist may look and taste like bread, but we believe that it is truly the Body of Christ. When we say “Amen”, we are declaring our faith — it is like the “password” of a Catholic. If we do not respond “Amen”, we are not truly acknowledging the Body of Christ that we receive.
Fr Leonard also emphasised the importance of Scripture — the Word of God found in the Book of the Gospels and the entire Bible. The Scriptures give us light, life, peace, joy, happiness, and love. This is why we must continue reading and learning the Word of God, not only in Sunday School but throughout our lives.
He reminded everyone that today is a very important day: the children are receiving Jesus for the first time in Holy Communion. From now on, they can receive the Eucharist at every Mass — but they must prepare themselves well: attend Sunday School, go to Mass regularly, pray, and stay close to God.
Fr Leonard also connected the celebration to Mission Sunday. Through Baptism, we are called to be missionaries wherever we are — bringing hope to those who do not yet know God or have not heard the Good News. By sharing our stories of faith — through our words and especially through our actions — others will see the peace and love of Christ in us. This is how we proclaim the Gospel as children of God.
He encouraged everyone to prepare their body like a tabernacle, ready to receive Jesus. A strong relationship with God takes patience. We must pray, surrender to His will, and trust that God’s plan and God’s timing are always best — and He will give us what is truly good.
Fr Leonard then explained how the students would receive Holy Communion: today, for the first time, they would receive on the tongue, remembering to clearly say “Amen” as their response of faith. In the future, they will also learn how to receive reverently on the hand. He reminded them that after the blessing, the consecrated Host is no longer ordinary bread — it is the real Body of Christ — and must always be treated with utmost respect.
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