The Most Holy Eucharist is the very heart and soul of our Catholic faith.  It is the “source and summit” of all we are.  The Eucharist not only gathers members of the Church together to commemorates the Last Supper, but it unites us in a very real and holy communion with Christ himself and with the other members of the Church.  As Catholics we firmly believe that Christ is really present in the Eucharist.  While the bread and wine retain their appearance and taste, through the power of the Holy Spirit they are transformed in their essence into the body, blood, soul and divinity, indeed, the living presence of the Risen Lord.

First Communion for Children
A child usually receives First Communion in the 2nd grade. The first requirement is that the child has received sufficient preparation to understand the importance of this event and has developed a reverence and respect for this sacrament.

First Communion Preparation is a two-semester process dedicated to learning about Frist Reconciliation followed by preparation to receive Jesus in the Eucharist at First Communion. 

• First Reconciliation: Preparation takes place over a semester (three months) October-December/January. This class prepares the youth to make their first confession by leading them to understand sin. God made us out of love and when we sin, we separate ourselves from that love. After three months of preparation, Father Arthur gives a presenation to the class on the importance of Confession, he models how to go to confession and students also receive a tour of the confessionals. Practiciing this process at home is very helpful as well. All youth should memorize the Act of Contrition. First Confession happens in late January on a Saturday morning. 

• First Communion: The Second Smester of their Sacrament Preparation Year, January-May, is focused on the Eucharist. The youth journey through what Jesus did for us and how He offered us His body for redemption of the world. Youth are encouraged to more fully participate in the Holy Mass, learn the responses we say in Mass and prepare their hearts to receive Jesus for the first time. Towards the end of the semester, we start practicing how to receive the Eucharist in reverence; in the hand or on the tongue. First Communion Mass generally takes place in May or ealry June.

Parents are the primary teachers of their children in matters of faith. While the pastor and religious education staff will help, it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure the child is made ready for First Communion. Parents are required to fully participate in the First Communion formation program; which ideally is attendance at Formation from Kinder and First Grade, then in Second Grade they spend a year dedicated to learning about the Sacrements of Reconciliation (Confession) and Holy Communion.

Occasionally they should check with the teacher for information to see how they can help in their child’s preparation. If it should be determined the child is simply not ready to receive First Communion, it will be suggested the child wait until properly prepared.