First Communion messages from parents and godparents
05/10/2026 · The Hero of the Book Team
Ready-to-use First Holy Communion messages from parents, godparents and grandparents — and how to fit them to the child's age and reading.
A good First Holy Communion message has three parts: the child's name, one sentence about what the day means (meeting Jesus, not just "a big day"), and a wish that comes from who you are — a parent gives a blessing, a godparent promises to walk alongside, a grandparent remembers. Let the child's age set the length and the words: an eight-year-old should be able to read it alone, so keep it to two short sentences; an older child can take a Bible verse as well.
Who writes what: parents, godparents and grandparents
The most common mistake is that everyone writes the same thing — "May God be with you always" — and the child ends up with five identical cards. It helps if each person takes the part that belongs to their role.
Parents talk about the road they have travelled with the child: the christening, prayers at bedtime, the lessons that prepared them for this day. Theirs is the most personal message, and it can easily be the longest.
A godfather or godmother promised at the christening to help the child in their faith. First Communion is the first big moment when that promise can be recalled — and renewed: "I'm still here."
Grandparents are the only ones who can look back across the years. They can write about their own First Communion, or about carrying the child to the font. In twenty years, that's the line the child will most love rereading.
Brothers, sisters and friends need only one sentence — ideally in their own handwriting, spelling mistakes and all.
Messages from parents
Messages from godparents
Messages from grandparents
How to match the message to the child's age
| Age | What the child can manage | How to write |
|---|---|---|
| 7–8 | Reads alone, but slowly; can just make out joined-up writing | Two or three short sentences, printed or written very neatly. Name, one wish, signature. No quotes. |
| 9–10 | Reads fluently and understands images like "the bread of life" | You can add a short Bible verse and a sentence about what the day means. Five sentences are still plenty. |
| 11 and older | Can tell a stock phrase from a personal word | Fewer pious phrases, more of you: what you admire in the child and what you wish them for the years when their faith may be tested. |
| Teenager or adult | Chose to receive Communion for themselves | Acknowledge that choice. Write as you would to an adult: "I really respect that you made this decision yourself." |
Bible verses and short quotes that work
- "I am the bread of life." (John 6:35)The most popular choice — it ties directly to the Eucharist and it's short, so it fits on a holy card or inside a book.
- "Let the little children come to me." (Matthew 19:14)Good for the youngest children and for messages from grandparents.
- "The Lord bless you and keep you." (Numbers 6:24)The priestly blessing of Aaron; a good fit when you'd like a short formula instead of your own wish.
- "I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20)For godparents who want to remind the child that they are not alone on the journey of faith.
Phrases that say nothing — and what to write instead
- "Have a wonderful big day"You could write that for a birthday or the end of the school year. Make it specific: "Today you receive Jesus for the first time."
- "May God be with you" and nothing elseOn its own it's a formula the child will get from everyone. Add something of your own: "…and I'll be there whenever you need me."
- Long sermons about faithAn eight-year-old doesn't want to read a paragraph on the meaning of the sacraments. One sentence they understand is worth more than ten they skip.
- No signature, no date"From us" will mean nothing to anyone in twenty years. Write your full name or your role (Godfather Peter) and the date.
How to write your own message in five minutes
- 1Use the child's nameNot "Dear child", but the name you use at home — "Dear Annie", "Hi, Jake".
- 2Write one sentence about what is happening todayBe specific: "today you receive Jesus for the first time" says more than "your big day".
- 3Add something only your role can sayA parent recalls the christening, a godparent the promise, a grandparent their own First Communion.
- 4Finish with a wish for the futureOne wish is enough. Five wishes in a row blur into one.
- 5Sign it and add the dateIn twenty years, the date and the name of the church are what the child will look for. Almost everyone forgets this.
Where to write it so it doesn't get lost
After the celebration, cards often end up in a box with the wrapping paper. A message that's meant to last belongs somewhere the child will come back to: the front endpaper of a children's Bible or prayer book, the back of the holy card from the parish, the photo album from the day. For more on writing a dedication straight into a book, see Book dedications: what to write, messages to copy and common mistakes.
If you're giving a personalised book in which the child is the hero of the story, the opening dedication is written while you put the book together — the messages above work in it without any changes. The e-book is usually ready within 15 minutes, so it can be done at the last minute, while the printed copy arrives in about 7 working days — allow for that ahead of time. Gift ideas and the traditions around the whole day are covered in First Holy Communion: gifts, messages and dedications; what to do with the christening candle and gown, which sometimes come out again for First Communion, is explained in The christening candle and gown after the ceremony.
Sources
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (vatican.va) — The section on the Eucharist and First Communion.
- Code of Canon Law (vatican.va) — The canons on preparing children for First Communion.