The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the heart of Christian life. Providing instruction on the
sacrament of the Holy Eucharist helps children understand that the celebration of the Eucharist forms and nourishes the faithful with Jesus, the Bread of Life.

Catechesis for children seeks to strengthen their awareness of the Father’s love, of the call to
participate in Christ’s sacrifice, and of the gift of the Spirit. Children are taught that the Holy
Eucharist is the real Body and Blood of Christ, and what appears to be bread and wine are
actually Jesus’ Body and Blood. They learn that the Eucharist is both meal and sacrifice and that it is a memorial of the Last Supper.

Reception of the Sacrament:
The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is celebrated end of April beginning of May. All children
preparing to receive their First Eucharist must have already received the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.

Parents have a right and duty to be intimately involved in preparing their children for First
Communion. Catechesis (instruction) aims to help parents grow in understanding and
appreciation of the Eucharist and participate readily in catechizing their children.

Preparation of Children for First Communion:
Catechesis for First Communion is conducted separately from catechesis for the Sacrament of Reconciliation since each sacrament requires its own concentrated preparation. Beginning at the second grade level, preparation for First Communion is a joint effort of the parents and catechists as described below:

• The Second grade curriculum is covered weekly in class by the catechist and followed up at home by the parent;
• The First Eucharist program helps explain the Eucharist to children, familiarize them with the main events of Jesus’ life, help them to participate more meaningfully in the action of Mass, and to receive Christ’s body and blood in communion in an informed and reverent manner;
• The children learn that they may receive Holy Communion in the hand, on the tongue and
• under both species. Catechesis includes making the children aware of the Church’s requirements for fasting (no food or drink except water or medicine for one hour before receiving Communion).

Responsibilities of Parents as their Child prepares for First Eucharist:
Because parents are the primary educators of their children, they are responsible for initiating
their children into the sacramental life of the church. Parents are also expected to:

• Serve as models for their children by being moral Christians;
• Participate in Sunday Mass regularly with their families;
• Nurture their child in faith;
• Attend scheduled parent sessions and participate in any activities and prayer services
• That are planned to help their child prepare for this important sacrament of Holy Eucharist;
• Take time to talk with their first communicant about the Eucharist, to read Bible stories and to pray together;
• Determine their child’s readiness for the Eucharist.