July 2, 2010
Tradition continues to dominate First Communion attire
Members of the 1930 First Communion Class at St. Mary Church in Barr Township wear their best clothes for their special day. They include, front row, George Padgett, Harold Doyle, Robert Mathias, Theadore Matthews, Robert Bullock, second row, Clara Hopkins, Laverne Mattingly, Esther Mattingly, Clara McCarthy, Mary Ann Smith, Dorothy Kidwell, Marcella Lechner, Mary Ash and Helen McCarthy. Click for a larger version.
By MARY ANN HUGHES (Message staff writer)
Little girls in flowing white dresses, and young boys in crisp white shirts and dark pants. That’s been the traditional First Communion attire for decades, and not much has changed over the years in parishes throughout the Diocese of Evansville.
Benedictine Sister Leta Zeller was the pastoral associate and DRE at St. Francis Xavier Church in Poseyville and St. Wendel Church in St. Wendel until her death on June 10. During her years at the Posey County parishes, she had her finger on the pulse of everything that was going on — including First Communion attire.
When she was asked about what the children wore for First Communion, she said, “Most just go with the same as the past — white dresses, veils, dark dress pants, white shirts and ties.
“They all want the traditional First Communion look. I have told them that they can just wear nice clothes but they want to stay with the ‘tried and true.’
“The moms decide on long- or short-sleeved shirts, and they go with one or the other and ties no suits.”
Marty Horning, the DRE at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville, said, “Over the years the changes that I have seen is the array of First Communion dresses for the little girls.
“It is unbelievable how beautiful these dresses have become. For some parents, picking out a First Communion dress is a lengthy process. I am told that moms begin looking for the ‘right’ dress months and months before First Communion.
“It seems as though most clothing stores have a whole line of First Communion attire for the little girls. Pretty and pricey! Dresses of every length — from short, medium to long length — are in style. Materials range from silk, satin, taffeta and everything in between. Many styles are quite lavish with sequins, pearls, laces and trims of all kinds. Veils are still around but more and more head pieces in the form of bows with laces and pearls are on the scene.
“I am told that some parents go as far as Chicago to find the perfect First Communion dress for their daughter.
“A few children have worn something from a mom or grandmother. I have not seen a daughter wear a mother’s dress but I have seen a girl wear her mother’s veil. I have seen our little girls with a necklace or jewelry that is vintage, meaning with a jewel or pearls made from something that belonged to grandma, godmother or a favorite aunt. The young ladies are always especially proud of their necklace or bracelet, and are happy to share the story behind their treasure.”
The boys’ attire “seems to be much the same,” she said. “Our boys wear dress pants, dress shirts, usually white, and a tie. No jeans . . . never! All the boys look spiffed-up and handsome! Some boys have suits or jackets but the majority are in dress shirts, and I would have to say the moms of the boys have it easier and cheaper!”
Tracey Unfried, principal at Holy Cross School in Fort Branch, said, “Each year at the First Communion retreat for the Princeton Deanery I share the story of ‘The Caterpillar That Came to Church: A Story of the Eucharist.’
“When I finish the book, I talk with the children about getting ready for their First Communion, including what I wore that special day.
“I remember finally getting to wear the beautiful white dress and veil that my cousin Kelley wore and my sister Trina wore just a few years before me.”
She tells the children that “now it was my turn to pose in front of the big mirror in my parents’ bedroom wearing the short white dress with lacy sleeves, white tights and shoes and, of course, the beautiful white veil that made you look and feel like a bride.
“I also tell them how I need to track down that dress because I think it is in San Francisco at my aunt’s house.”
If it’s in “good shape, it may be something my daughter Gabriella could wear in six years for her First Communion.” She added, “It may not be the vision of white that I imagine her wearing, so my search for the perfect dress is soon to begin.”