First Holy Communion

All candidates for First Holy Communion must go through preparation in order to have a solemn First Holy Communion celebration at Mass. In order to qualify for the parish Sacramental Preparation class, children must have completed at least one year of formal religious education either through the parish program, Catholic school, or homeschooling.

Diocese Sacramental guidelines (English)

Diocese Sacramental guidelines (Spanish)

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; . . . he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and . . . abides in me, and I in him” (Jn 6:51, 54, 56).

“At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s Body and Blood. Faithful to the Lord’s command the Church continues to do, in his memory and until his glorious return, what he did on the eve of his Passion: “He took bread. . . .” “He took the cup filled with wine. . . .” The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ; they continue also to signify the goodness of creation… Having passed from this world to the Father, Christ gives us in the Eucharist the pledge of glory with him.

Participation in the Holy Sacrifice identifies us with his Heart, sustains our strength along the pilgrimage of this life, makes us long for eternal life, and unites us even now to the Church in heaven, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and all the saints.” From theCatechism of the Catholic Church

Requirements and Norms for Candidates:

Candidate…

is a churched, baptized Catholic.
demonstrates a desire to celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion.
must have reached age of discretion, 7-8 yrs of age.
demonstrates age-appropriate understanding of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.
must be prepared for and encouraged to participate in the Sacrament of Penance.
is participating in the Sunday Eucharistic liturgy on a regular basis (Mass).
knows how to receive Holy Communion.

Parent Requirements and Norms:

1. Parents not only have the right but also the responsibility to be intimately involved in preparing their children for their First Holy Communion. Therefore they should participate in the adult catechesis/ parent meetings:

Structure of the Mass
Presence of Jesus: Word/Assembly/Bread-Wine/Priest
Scriptural roots of the Eucharist
Living as a Eucharistic person
How to celebrate the sacrament

2. Parents must be ACTIVE Catholic adults who are willing to support the minor’s faith journey.

3. Catechesis concerning the Eucharist must be ongoing throughout formal elementary, middle and high school religious education.