First Eucharist
First Eucharist is celebrated during regularly scheduled weekend liturgies in Spring, as scheduled. Children are prepared to receive the Sacrament through participation in the Faith Formation Program while in 2nd grade. In addition to bi-weekly sessions on the day selected by the each family; the program includes at home faith experiences, intergenerational evenings, a retreat and rehearsal. Questions regarding First Eucharist should be directed to Maria Yorkshire, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation.
WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR MY CHILD TO RECEIVE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION?
At a minimum, your child must:
• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. They must have been baptized with water and “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”
• If your child is older than second grade, we may require completion of the Order of Christian Initiation of Children (OCIC).
• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Instruction for this sacrament will take place before instruction for First Holy Communion. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place a few months before First Holy Communion.
WHAT ELSE IS NEEDED FOR MY CHILD TO RECEIVE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Traditionally, young Catholic children will make their first confession, also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, before receiving their First Holy Communion. But confession is not the only requirement for receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; the Sacrament of Baptism must have been received as well. A child, or any person, who has not been baptized cannot receive communion.
At your child’s Baptism, you reaffirmed your belief in the Catholic Church and promised to raise your child in the Catholic faith. This is what the Church calls our “founded hope” that your child will be raised in the Catholic faith. Today, if this “founded hope” is in jeopardy because your faith as a parent has changed and you no longer believe in the Catholic Church, or you attend another Christian Church, or for whatever reason you are not willing to ensure that your child will have opportunities to learn the faith and attend Sunday Mass, there may be reason to delay First Holy Communion. These are serious issues and will need the pastor’s determination to proceed. If you are in a similar situation, please contact the priest early to discuss your options.