First Communion

Eucharist (also called Communion)


The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

 

First Eucharist Preparation begins in January. Children must have been enrolled in the First Reconciliation program, which begins in September of the previous year in order to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist.  Children and parents are prepared for the Sacrament of First Eucharist, which occurs on May 9th, 2008. The classroom program focuses on the Mass as well as required outside workshops to help families form and understand an intimate relationship with Christ.

 

First Eucharist Related Important Dates

 

 

HOW TO RECEIVE FIRST EUCHARIST  

Prayer before Communion

How holy is the feast in which Christ is our food: his passion is recalled, grace fills our hearts, and we receive a pledge of the glory to come.

- based on a prayer of Thomas Aquinas.

 

Receiving Holy Communion

  • Catholics follow rules and practices to show respect for the Eucharist
  • Only Baptized Catholics may receive Communion.
  • To receive Holy Communion, we must be free from mortal sin.  We must be sorry for any venial sins committed since the last time we celebrated the Sacrament of Reconciliation. When we have contrition, receiving Holy Communion frees us from venial sin.
  • To honor the Lord, we fast for one hour before receiving Communion. We go without food or drink, except water or medicine.
  • Catholics are required to receive Holy Communion at least once a year, if possible during Easter Time. But, we are encouraged to receive Communion every time we participate in Mass.
  • Catholics are permitted to receive Communion at other Masses on the same day.

 

How to Receive Communion

 

When we receive Jesus in Holy Communion, we welcome him with our whole bodies, minds and spirits.

  • Fold your hands in a prayerful manner and join in singing the Communion hymn as you walk to the altar.
  • When it is your turn, bow your head reverently as the Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist holds the Host and says “The Body of Christ.”
  • You can receive the consecrated Host in your hand or on your tongue. To receive the Body of Christ in your hand, hold your hands out with palms up placing your dominant hand underneath the other and cup your hands slightly. To receive the Body of Christ on your tongue, fold your hands in a prayerful manner and open your mouth putting your tongue out.
  • The priest, deacon or Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist says, “The Body of Christ,” and you answer, “Amen.” The priest or extraordinary Minister places the Host in your hand or on your tongue.
  • Step aside and stop. If you have received the Host in your hand, carefully take it from your palm and place it in your mouth. Swallow the Host.
  • After swallowing the Host, walk to where the cup is offered. The priest, deacon or extraordinary minister of the Eucharist says, “The Blood of Christ.”  You bow your head reverently and you answer “Amen.”
  • Take the cup from the minister and take a small sip and carefully hand the cup back.
  • Quietly return to your pew. Pray a prayer of thanksgiving.

 

Thanksgiving after Communion

 

Lord our God, we honor the memory of Saint Pius X and all your saints by sharing the bread of heaven. May it strengthen our faith and unite us in your love. We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord.