First Holy Communion and Reconciliation

"This is my body, which will be given for you;
do this in memory of me."

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The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as Eucharist, is a sacred occasion for all Catholics. During the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive and eat the body and blood of Christ Jesus, and they enter into unity with Christ and the Church. The Church encourages all its members, in a state of grace, to partake of Holy Communion weekly at the Sunday Mass.

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For children, their First Holy Communion is celebrated annually in late spring. In order to participate in the celebration of First Holy Communion, children attend weekly Parish Religious Education (PRE) classes from September through May as part of a two-year program. PRE helps children attain the Church requirement of “sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion.”

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For adults, who are becoming Catholic, their First Communion is normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass, after a process of prayerful discernment and catechesis, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation.