The first communion is an important milestone in the life of every believer, particularly a Catholic. A child baptized when they were an infant into the family of the Lord, goes on to take a place at His table. It is always a significant event for the child, their family, and even the parish community.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us "The sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity." Catechism of the Catholic Church #1212.
- 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 yearlong class which also prepares them for an put them through their First Reconciliation before receiving their First Communion.
- Catholics believe in the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
- Catholics should be in a state of grace when receiving Communion, which is why the Sacrament of Reconciliation is given to us first.
- 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
- Must be a baptized Catholicwho has prepared for the sacrament of first holy communion.
- Must be in a state of grace.This means 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.
From: catholic gallery, catholic icing and catholic exchange web sites.
