Eucharist – First Holy Communion

THE SACRAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST  –  FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion holds profound significance in the Christian tradition, particularly within the Catholic Church.

The word ‘communion’ means to be united with. Believers are united in a special way with Jesus Christ, that they are sharing in the body and blood of Christ the Saviour. Holy Communion, and the whole service (Mass) is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.

The celebration of First Eucharist is a sacred and important moment on a long journey of faith development. Together with Baptism and Confirmation, it opens the door to full membership of the Christian community. At the ceremony, each child receives Communion, normally in the form of a small round piece of bread placed by the Priest in the palms of their hands.

The children receive their First Communion when they’re seven or eight years of age because this is considered the age of reason. This means that most children are usually in second class in school when they make their First Communion.

WHO CAN RECEIVE COMMUNION?

Any baptised Catholic who is actively practising their faith and wishing to advance on the path of developing their faith. Therefore the child should be part of a family who together actively practices their Catholic faith.

In order for to receive communion the recipient should be without sin and in a state of grace. Traditionally, therefore young Catholic children will make their first confession some weeks before receiving their First Holy Communion. The Sacrament of Baptism must also have been received before receiving the First Communion.

WHAT DOES BEING AN ACTIVE PRACTICING CATHOLIC ENTAIL?

As a Catholic, basically you’re required to live a Christian life, pray daily, participate in the sacraments, obey the moral law, and accept the teachings of Christ and his Church. Following are the minimum requirements for Catholics:

  • Attend Mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation.
  • Go to confession annually if not more often or when needed.
  • Receive Holy Communion during Easter. Receiving weekly or daily is encouraged, though.
  • Observe laws on fasting and abstinence: one full meal on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday; not eating meat on Fridays during Lent.
  • Obey the marriage laws of the Church.
  • Support the Church financially and otherwise.

Knowing the faith is the first step to being Catholic,

accepting the faith is the second step,

 practicing the faith is the third — and most difficult — step.

Obeying the rules involves appreciating the wisdom and value of the various rules and laws. And, you’re asked to put that belief into action, to practice what you believe.

WHERE IS EVERYONE HIDING?

I am sometimes asked how many Catholic families are in the parish. I scratch my head and wonder. There will be over 50 children combined for Communion and Confirmation. Each week the number of children of primary school age at Mass barely reaches ten. Can we make this a year for children and families to experience the church and faith in which they are taking a big step forward?

IS YOUR CHILD EAGER TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP IN THEIR FAITH JOURNEY?

If the answer is yes, that’s great! Then there is the next big question;

HOW CAN PARENTS PREPARE THEIR CHILDREN FOR FIRST HOLY COMMUNION?

First Holy Communion is one of the most significant moments in a young Catholic’s spiritual life. It is the first time a child receives the Eucharist—the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ—and marks a deepening of their relationship with God and the Church. For Catholic parents, this is not only a proud milestone but also a sacred responsibility.

If you’re a Catholic parent preparing your child for First Holy Communion, here are the key steps—both practical and spiritual—you should be taking to guide them well:

  1. Understand the Importance of the Sacrament

Before anything else, it’s essential for parents themselves to understand what First Holy Communion is. The Eucharist is one of the seven sacraments and the source and summit of the Catholic faith. Receiving Communion is not just a rite of passage or pageant or nativity play —it is a real encounter with Christ.

Take the time to refresh your own understanding of the Eucharist by reading Scripture (especially John 6:51-58), the Catechism of the Catholic Church (especially paragraphs 1322–1419), and other Church teachings.

It’s all on google!

  1. Enrol Your Child in a Parish Sacramental Preparation Program

Most parishes have a structured preparation process for children typically around age 7 (the “age of reason”). This usually includes:

  • Religious education classes through the schools.
  • Sacramental preparation sessions focused specifically on Reconciliation and Eucharist which the schools also put huge effort into.
  • Preparation in the family. This is by far the most crucial if First Communion is to mean anything to your child. At Baptism you took on the solemn responsibility to bring your child up in the Catholic faith.

Things to reflect on as you come to a decision on whether or not you enrol your child include; prayer and faith practice in the family and your family’s participation in your church.

  1. Ensure Your Child Receives First Reconciliation First

Before receiving the Eucharist, your child must first make their First Confession. This sacrament of penance is necessary for them to receive Communion worthily, in a state of grace.

Help your child understand the meaning of sin, forgiveness, and the mercy of God. Encourage honest reflection and provide a safe space to talk about right and wrong without fear or shame.

Do you lead your child by example by availing of this sacrament regularly?

  1. Make Mass Attendance a Weekly Habit

One of the most important things Catholic parents can do is take their children to Mass every Sunday. This teaches your child:

  • Reverence for the Eucharist
  • Familiarity with the Mass prayers and structure
  • A sense of belonging in the Church community

If your child regularly sees you participating in Mass and receiving Communion reverently, they will better understand its value.

  1. Pray Together as a Family

Forming a child’s spiritual life happens best in the home. Introduce or reinforce daily prayer routines, such as:

  • Morning and evening prayers
  • Grace before meals
  • The Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be
  • Prayers to Jesus in the Eucharist

You might also pray with your child before and after Mass, or visit the church together outside of Mass times to pray in front of the tabernacle.

  1. Teach About the Real Presence

Children must understand that the Eucharist is not just a symbol—it is truly Jesus. Use age-appropriate language to explain the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and read stories from Scripture that support this belief.

Some helpful ideas:

  • Read the story of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26–28)
  • Read the Bread of Life Discourse (John 6)
  • Use visuals, children’s catechisms, and books about the Mass
  1. Model a Eucharistic Life

Your example as a parent matters more than you may realize. Live a life that reflects your belief in the Eucharist:

  • Approach Communion with reverence and joy
  • Make regular confession a family habit
  • Show love, patience, and forgiveness in daily life
  • Practice service and charity

Children often learn faith not from what we say, but from how we live.

  1. Celebrate the Day Prayerfully and Joyfully

When the big day arrives, celebrate it as a sacred occasion:

  • Attend Mass as a family
  • Help your child dress appropriately and reverently
  • Take time afterward for photos, a family meal, or a special blessing at home
  • Consider giving a meaningful religious gift, such as a rosary, missal, or medal

More than anything, remind your child that this day is not just about them—it’s about Jesus, who gives Himself completely out of love.

  1. Continue the Journey after First Communion

First Holy Communion is not the end—it’s a step on a lifelong relationship with Jesus. Keep nurturing your child’s faith:

  • Keep going to Mass regularly
  • Involve your child in parish life or youth programs
  • Encourage frequent Communion and regular Confession
  • Talk about faith often, naturally, and joyfully at home.

FINAL THOUGHTS

First Holy Communion is a beautiful step on your child’s path to sainthood. As a parent, your greatest role is to help them know, love, and follow Jesus. It may take time and patience, but your efforts will bear fruit—not just for this sacrament, but for their entire life in the Church.

Let your home be the first church your child knows. Let your love be the first catechism they read. And let your faith light the way to the altar, where Jesus waits to meet them.

The reality for each family is different. Even if practice in the past had tapered off. This can be a great opportunity for a family to commit once again to their Catholic faith and focus on God’s amazing plan for you.

You don’t have to be perfect—but you do need to be present, prayerful, and supportive. With your guidance, love, and the grace of God, your child can say a wholehearted “yes” to the Lord—and step confidently into their Catholic faith for life.