First Holy Communion

FIRST holy communion

What is First Holy Communion? First Holy Communion is a significant milestone in the life of a young Catholic. It usually occurs around the age of seven or eight, when children are considered ready to receive the Eucharist for the first time. This sacrament is not just about receiving bread and wine; it represents an important step in a child's spiritual journey and their personal relationship with God.

Austin Diocese of Guidelines:   Any baptized Catholic child who has reached the age of reason (7 years of age and attended Faith Formation Classes in the first grade and is now in the second grade) is eligible to receive the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, usually referred to as First Communion.

• Requirements: Parents must provide proof that the child was baptized in the Catholic Church
• The child must attend a preparation program provided at the parish, in their second year
• Parents are the primary educators of children in the Catholic faith and should take an active part in First Communion preparation
• The child will also be prepared to receive First Reconciliation

Family Preparation: St. Mary's Family Sacramental Preparation Program includes a parent/child retreat of each sacrament (First Reconciliation & First Communion) as well as working together with the child at home to complete lessons focusing on each sacrament.  

Do children need to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before their First Communion?

Answer:

For centuries the Catholic Church has taught that a person needs to be in a state of grace (free from mortal sins) in order to worthily receive the Eucharist. To that end, Catholics should make an effort to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation any time they recognize the need for the sacrament (and in keeping with the precept of the Church that asks that we celebrate this sacrament at least once each year).

In the case of children preparing for their First Communion, the Code of Canon Law is very clear that they should also celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving the Eucharist for the first time: “It is the responsibility, in the first place, of parents and those who take the place of parents as well as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the use of reason are correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible, preceded by sacramental confession” (Canon 914).

While some might question the significance of the Sacrament of Reconciliation — especially in the case of children who might not fully understand the reality of sin or the meaning of the sacrament itself — a child’s “First Confession” can be a wonderful time for families to reflect together on the quality of their relationships, how they put their faith into practice, and, when it is possible, to celebrate the sacrament as a family. In the end, the celebration of these two sacraments marks important moments in the spiritual journeys of children and we hope their “First Confession” and “First Communion” help instill in them a love of the sacraments of the Church.

©LPi