Port Chester: St. John Bosco Parish Celebrates Its First Communicants

By Fr. Eddie Chincha, SDB, and Irma Austin, Coordinator, Religious Education Program, Saint John Bosco Parish

(Port Chester, N.Y. – October 22) – On Saturday, October 11, one hundred and thirty-two children at St. John Bosco Parish gathered for two Eucharist retreats in preparation to receive their first Holy Communion the following week in October.

The retreats were facilitated by Fr. Eddie Chincha. It was a joyful and faith-filled day with a focus on understanding the great gift of Jesus in the Eucharist. Through prayer, songs, stories and activities, the children learned more about God’s love for us and the importance of receiving Jesus in the Eucharist with much reverence.

St. John Bosco Parish extends a sincere thank you to Fr. Eddie and his team of catechists, volunteers, and parents, who guided and supported the children throughout the retreat.

The following week, on Saturday, October 18, St. John Bosco Parish joyfully celebrated two first Communion Masses, where these children received Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. Both Masses were packed with children and families supporting the first communicants for this beautiful moment. St. John Bosco Parish’s pastor, Fr. Franco Pinto, and Fr. Eddie highlighted the beauty of receiving Jesus as often as possible. They also reminded parents to support their children in growing their faith.

The Port Chester Salesian community is very grateful to Irma Austin, its religious education coordinator, as well as its catechists and staff, who helped the parish make this moment happen. Most parishes have first Communions in the spring, but it is easier to do it in the fall and concentrate on confirmations in the spring. St. John Bosco Parish thanks Fr. Pat Angelucci for leaving them the template that he initiated during his time here as pastor.

The parish also extends much gratitude to its current pastor, Father Franco Pinto, and Fr. Eddie, who both celebrated the Masses and spoke to the children about the profound grace they have received in their hearts. They encouraged family, friends and the parish community to continue providing a loving community to help the children continue to grow in love and devotion to Jesus in the Eucharist.