Holy Communion
First Communion is celebrated in the second grade for both Catholic and public school children on the first Sunday after Easter.
Families of second graders start the First Eucharist journey with a sacramental information meeting with the Pastor, CRE, and catechists in September. The pastor talks about the responsibilities of the parents and what Eucharist means. The catechists share information about the Blest are We religion book used in classroom preparation for this sacrament, as well as, the dress code for First Communion, photo policy and fasting before communion. Families activities are included in a packet for each family to enjoy at home. The First Eucharist banner, which is made by each student and their family is discussed and samples are shown. Parents and students also watch a video, “Grandma’s Bread” and reflect on its meaning in their own families. The CRE gives the important dates for the families. Times and places for children to come on First Communion day. Seating arrangements and how we plan this. All this is included in the packet also. The meeting is closed with the pastor leading a candle light prayer service and bless for each child.
First Eucharist practice for school students will be in April. First Eucharist practice for the PSR students will be on a Wednesday in April at 6:30 pm. All practice will be in church. Parents are welcome, but not necessary.
FIrst Eucharist will be celebrated in our parish on the Sunday after Easter at 11:30 mass for school students and 2:30pm for PSR students (alternating each year).
This day is an important and exciting day of our children. It is the first time (not the only time) coming to the Lord’s table.
Guidelines for the Reception of Communion
For Catholics
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (canon 916). A frequent reception of the Sacrament of Penance is encouraged for all.
For our fellow Christians
We welcome our fellow Christians to this celebration of the Eucharist as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in this Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ’s prayer for us “that they may all be one” (Jn 17:21).
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to Holy Communion. Eucharistic sharing in exceptional circumstances by other Christians requires permission according to the directives of the diocesan bishop and the provisions of canon law (canon 844 § 4). Members of the Orthodox Churches, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the Polish National Catholic Church are urged to respect the discipline of their own Churches. According to Roman Catholic discipline, the Code of Canon Law does not object to the reception of communion by Christians of these Churches (canon 844 § 3).
For those not receiving Holy Communion
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For non-Christians
We also welcome to this celebration those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.