Eucharist

"Do This in Remembrance of Me"
- First Holy Communion is one of the 7 Sacraments of the Catholic church. While receiving the Eucharist is a Sacrament each time it is received in our lifetime, Catholics celebrate the first time this is done as a part of a special ceremony and a memorable, important part of our lives! Let’s take a look at what first communion is, how it is celebrated, and traditions surrounding the important Sacrament of First Communion for Catholics.
  
  As always, it’s a lot easier to talk about and plan for something that we know the basics about. Here’s an overview of some things about First Holy Communion.
  
  1 of the 7 Sacraments celebrated by Catholics
  
  First Communion is the 3rd Sacrament received by Catholics, after Baptism and First Reconciliation
  
  It is given at the “age of reason”, which is age 7. So for this reason, First Communion class usually aligns with second grade
  
  Children generally go through a year long class which also prepares them for an puts them through their First Reconciliation before receiving their First Communion
  
  Catholics believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist
  
  Communion is a Sacrament every time you receive it, us Catholics just like to make a really big deal out of the first time
  
  Catholics should be in a state of grace when receiving Communion, which is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to us first
  
  Celebrations are thrown at the time of First Communion that can include photographs, cake, gifts, a gathering of friends and family, and many elements of any typical celebration
  
  First Communion could be received as either bread, or both the bread and wine. The wine is not necessary when receiving the Eucharist.
  
  Children usually wear a white, symbolizing purity. This can be in the form of a dress or suit, although the suits are not always white. Veils are also traditionally worn for the girls. Clothing traditions can also differ from country to country or even from parish to parish.
  
  First Communion Requirements
  
  There are a few things that are required before receiving communion, and this would actually apply to every time one receives the Eucharist, not just the first time:
  
  Must be a baptized Catholic who has prepared for the sacrament of first holy communion.
  
  Must be in a state of grace. This mean you don’t currently have any mortal sins on your soul. If one has committed a mortal sin, you can be forgiven through the sacrament of reconciliation, and then you once again be in a state of grace. This is why children receive the sacrament of reconciliation prior to the sacrament of first communion.
  
  Must fast at least 1 hour before receiving communion. This means don’t eat anything else for at least an hour before communion. Again, this rule applies for every time one receives communion.
  
  First Holy Communion Preparation Classes
  
  Typically, Catholics receive 2 years of First Communion preparatory classes for the school year leading up to their First Communion. This typically aligns with the child’s 1st and 2nd grade school year. If your child has received the Sacrament of Baptism and is the age of reason (7), your child is ready to begin First Communion Prep class!
- First Communion Registration
  
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  Child's First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child's Middle Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child's Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child's Gender REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Date of Birth REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Place of Birth (City, State) REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Date of Baptism Please enter valid data.
  
  Church with City, State of Baptism REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child's Grade REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Child's Religion Class REQUIRED Please fill out this field.
  
  Father's First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Father's Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother's First Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother's Maiden Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Mother's Last Name REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  City & State of current Residence REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Church Parish you are registered in REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Phone Number REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Email address REQUIRED Please fill out this field. Please enter valid data.
  
  Sacramental Fee REQUIRED 30.0 – 1 Child 60.0 – 2 Children 90.0 – 3 Children Please fill out this field.
  
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Eucharist

First Communion Requirements

First Holy Communion Preparation Classes