Saying 'yes' to the Communion dress

Trunk show features attire for First Holy Communion
July 29, 2019 at 12:37 p.m.
Saying 'yes' to the Communion dress
Saying 'yes' to the Communion dress


 By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

“I really like this!” Melodie Golding, a parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, squealed with happiness as she studied her reflection in the mirror.

To see photo gallery on this story, click here.

Her smile was as bright as the white dress and veil she donned at the First Holy Communion Dress Trunk Show held in the Cross and Shamrock Jan. 17.

The three-day sale trunk and sample sale was held Jan. 17-19.

Located in Hamilton Square, the Cross and Shamrock, is a family-owned and managed store in its 30th year of business and specializes in Irish imports and gifts and religious items. This year marks the 26th annual First Holy Communion Dress Trunk Show.

“We have at least 10 different designers at the trunk show and one of the designers makes dresses and veils especially for us in Ireland,” store owner, Ann Bauersachs, said as she and her store employees helped parents find the desired sizes and styles for their daughters.

Elizabeth Dykty and her daughter, Bridget, parishioners of St. Andrew Parish, Newtown, Pa., visited the Cross and Shamrock to specifically see the Irish styles. 

“It is very exciting,” Elizabeth said, as she adjusted the veil on Bridget’s head.

“You rarely see this many dresses or have the opportunity to try this many dresses on,” she continued, gesturing to the potential purchases that were hanging on a door, waiting to be tried on.

As it is an exciting time for the children who will receive the Eucharist in the spring and their parents, it is also an enjoyable time for the Cross and Shamrock.

“This is kind of our ‘kick-off’ of Communion season, and we try to make it fun and festive for the kids and offer special discounts to the parents,” Bauersachs remarked.

The store also sells suits for the boys and “We recommend parents purchase the suits for their sons closer to the date of the First Holy Communion because they grow so fast,” Bauersachs offered.

As the students have been preparing for the reception of the sacrament, receiving their faith formation in their schools and parishes, the Cross and Shamrock also aims to help the parents by providing everything else they may need in one location.

“In addition to the dresses and veils we have everything from the invitations, banner kits and gift sets,” Bauersachs remarked.

As the young shoppers and their families prepared themselves to “say yes to the dress,” the sanctity and importance of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist was not lost among the shoppers.

“It’s a very special time,” Anne Pierson, a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton,  reflected as she purchased a dress and veil that her daughter Hannah “loves.”

“It’s definitely exciting,” Pierson added of the upcoming celebration of the sacrament.  “We’ve been waiting for this!”

[[In-content Ad]]

Related Stories

 By Rose O’Connor | Correspondent

“I really like this!” Melodie Golding, a parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, squealed with happiness as she studied her reflection in the mirror.

To see photo gallery on this story, click here.

Her smile was as bright as the white dress and veil she donned at the First Holy Communion Dress Trunk Show held in the Cross and Shamrock Jan. 17.

The three-day sale trunk and sample sale was held Jan. 17-19.

Located in Hamilton Square, the Cross and Shamrock, is a family-owned and managed store in its 30th year of business and specializes in Irish imports and gifts and religious items. This year marks the 26th annual First Holy Communion Dress Trunk Show.

“We have at least 10 different designers at the trunk show and one of the designers makes dresses and veils especially for us in Ireland,” store owner, Ann Bauersachs, said as she and her store employees helped parents find the desired sizes and styles for their daughters.

Elizabeth Dykty and her daughter, Bridget, parishioners of St. Andrew Parish, Newtown, Pa., visited the Cross and Shamrock to specifically see the Irish styles. 

“It is very exciting,” Elizabeth said, as she adjusted the veil on Bridget’s head.

“You rarely see this many dresses or have the opportunity to try this many dresses on,” she continued, gesturing to the potential purchases that were hanging on a door, waiting to be tried on.

As it is an exciting time for the children who will receive the Eucharist in the spring and their parents, it is also an enjoyable time for the Cross and Shamrock.

“This is kind of our ‘kick-off’ of Communion season, and we try to make it fun and festive for the kids and offer special discounts to the parents,” Bauersachs remarked.

The store also sells suits for the boys and “We recommend parents purchase the suits for their sons closer to the date of the First Holy Communion because they grow so fast,” Bauersachs offered.

As the students have been preparing for the reception of the sacrament, receiving their faith formation in their schools and parishes, the Cross and Shamrock also aims to help the parents by providing everything else they may need in one location.

“In addition to the dresses and veils we have everything from the invitations, banner kits and gift sets,” Bauersachs remarked.

As the young shoppers and their families prepared themselves to “say yes to the dress,” the sanctity and importance of the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist was not lost among the shoppers.

“It’s a very special time,” Anne Pierson, a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows-St. Anthony Parish, Hamilton,  reflected as she purchased a dress and veil that her daughter Hannah “loves.”

“It’s definitely exciting,” Pierson added of the upcoming celebration of the sacrament.  “We’ve been waiting for this!”

[[In-content Ad]]
Have a news tip? Email [email protected] or Call/Text 360-922-3092

e-Edition


e-edition

Sign up


for our email newsletters

Weekly Top Stories

Sign up to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every Sunday

Daily Updates & Breaking News Alerts

Sign up to get our daily updates and breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox daily

Latest Stories


Impact of MCG’s annual gala allows for essential support to continue
The 29th annual gala for the Mount Carmel Guild, Trenton, was a time for supporters ...

Catholic Charities USA’s Kerry Robinson visits Trenton
Staffers of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Trenton, ...

Cardinal Martino, former Vatican envoy to U.N. dies at 91
Cardinal Renato Martino, the former Vatican observer at the United Nations...

By seeking better life, migrants teach hope, determination, Pope says
Migrants demonstrate what hope is, and the Catholic Church...

Pope to open Holy Door at Rome prison at beginning of Jubilee 2025
Two days after opening the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Holy Year...


The Evangelist, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, NY, 12203-1422 | PHONE: 518-453-6688| FAX: 518-453-8448
© 2024 Trenton Monitor, All Rights Reserved.