First Communion Banner

I have the oldest builder child, and he is preparing to receive his First Communion in May. There are many things that we have done to prepare, but through our parish CCD we get to participate in a new tradition, The Banner. I had not heard of these before my godson’s First Communion, but apparently it is the “done thing” now. At our parish, the banners are made during a retreat, but we were sick and missed it, so I was on my own for this one. I have decided to post this in case others are doing their banners at the moment, there is not alot out there in googling the subject. I was intimidated by this craft until I came up with a few rules, that apply well to the rest of our life as well:

1 — don’t over think it
2 — choice within limits
3 — it is the child’s project

So, I suggested some possible shapes, and Peter chose these. We bought felt and I sketched them using chalk on the felt. After looking for templates online I just decided to do it freehand. He cut them out, decided where to put them and glued them on. The Rel. Ed office will add a dowel at the top and ribbons, and this will adorn our pew for the Mass.

I did give him the option of adding some glitter glue adornment and I was delighted that he chose not to. He added the cross in pencil to the host, and told me that a host is not sparkly. Good point.

I managed to walk the tightrope between his and my perfectionism, and because we kept it really simple we have a nice end product. He is really proud and excited to be preparing to recieve the sacrament. Also, we sat alone in the school room and did this, which was really nice time together, and isn’t that the point of family crafts, after all.