First Communion Messages from Parents and Godparents
10/5/2026 · The Hero of the Book Team
Ready-to-use First Communion messages from parents, godparents and grandparents — and how to adapt them to the child's age and reading level.
A good First Communion message has three parts: the child's name, one sentence about what the day means (receiving Jesus for the first time, not just a generic "big day"), and a wish that fits who is writing — a parent gives a blessing, a godparent promises to walk alongside, a grandparent shares a memory. Let the child's age set the length and the words: a seven- or eight-year-old should be able to read it alone, so keep it to two short sentences; an older child can handle a Bible verse too.
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 sticks to what belongs to their role.
Parents talk about the road they've traveled with the child: baptism, bedtime prayers, getting ready in religious education classes. Their message is the most personal and can easily be the longest.
A godfather or godmother promised at the baptism to help the child grow in faith. First Communion is the first big moment when that promise can be remembered — 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 be baptized. Twenty years from now, that's the line the child will love reading most.
Siblings and friends only need one sentence — ideally in their own handwriting, spelling mistakes and all.
Messages from parents
Messages from godparents
Messages from grandparents
How to adjust your message to the child's age
| Age | What the child can manage | How to write |
|---|---|---|
| 7–8 | Reads alone, but slowly; cursive is still a puzzle | Two or three short sentences, printed or written neatly. Their name, one wish, your signature. No quotes. |
| 9–10 | Reads fluently and understands images like "bread of life" | You can add a short Bible verse and a sentence about what the day means. Five sentences is still plenty. |
| 11 and up | Can tell a stock phrase from a personal word | Fewer pious phrases, more personal ones: what you admire about the child, what you wish for them in the years when their faith may be tested. |
| Teen or adult | Chose to receive Communion on their own | Honor that choice. Write as you would to an adult: "I admire that you made this decision yourself." |
Bible verses and short quotes that fit
- "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 children come to me." (Matthew 19:14)Great for the youngest children and for messages from grandparents.
- "The Lord bless you and keep you." (Numbers 6:24)The priestly blessing of Aaron; good when you'd rather use a short blessing than a wish of your own.
- "I am with you always." (Matthew 28:20)For godparents who want to remind the child they're not alone on their journey of faith.
Phrases that say nothing, and what to write instead
- "Have a wonderful big day"You could say that for a birthday or a report card. Be specific instead: "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 about the meaning of the sacraments. One sentence they understand beats ten they'll skip.
- No signature and no date"From us" won't mean anything in twenty years. Write your full name or your role (Godfather Pete) and the date.
How to write your own message in five minutes
- 1Use the child's nameNot "Dear child," but what you call them at home — "Dear Annie," "Hi, Jake."
- 2Write one sentence about what's 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 remembers the baptism, a godparent the promise, a grandma her own First Communion.
- 4End with a wish for the futureOne wish is enough. Five wishes in a row blur into one.
- 5Sign it and add the dateTwenty years from now, 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 party, cards often disappear into a box with the wrapping paper. A message meant to last belongs somewhere the child will come back to: inside the cover of a children's Bible or prayer book, on the back of the parish holy card, in the photo album from that day. For more on writing a dedication right inside a book, see Book dedications: what to write, messages to copy and common mistakes.
If you're giving a custom book in which the child is the hero of the story, the dedication at the front is written while the book is being put together — the messages above work there as is. The digital book is usually ready within 15 minutes, so it works even last minute, while the printed one arrives in about 7 business days — plan ahead for that. Gift ideas and traditions around the whole day are covered in First Holy Communion: gifts, messages and dedications; what to do with the baptismal candle and gown, which sometimes come out again for First Communion, is explained in The baptismal candle and gown after the ceremony.
Sources
- The Bible – New American Bible, Revised Edition (USCCB) — Wording of the verses quoted.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (vatican.va) — The section on the Eucharist and First Communion.
- Code of Canon Law (vatican.va) — Canons on preparing children for First Communion.