Questions About Catholic First Communion? Here are the Answers
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Receiving the Holy Eucharist in First Communion is an important rite of passage for Catholic children. After all, the Eucharist is the most important part of every Catholic Mass, serving as the moment in which Jesus Christ presents himself to his followers.
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist was instituted by Christ at the Last Supper when He broke bread with His 12 apostles before offering Himself on the Cross. When we celebrate Communion at Mass, Christ makes Himself present again, through the priest, His one sacrifice on the cross in an unbloody manner.
Of course, this profound moment also marks further initiation into the Church and brings a child closer to salvation through Jesus Christ. Here’s everything you need to know to help your child prepare for their First Communion.
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What First Communion Is and Why It’s Important in the Catholic Church
First Communion is a special ceremony for children receiving the Holy Eucharist for the first time. It’s also a time to celebrate your faith with friends and family. Read on for answers to your most frequently asked First Communion questions.
1. What Does First Communion Mean in the Catholic Church?
During the Sacrament of First Communion, young Catholics are welcomed to the altar of the Lord by receiving His body and blood (under the appearance of bread and wine) for the first time. First Communion is also a time for families to come together and celebrate their faith and their divine communion with God. Parties and family gatherings typically take place after the First Communion Mass.
2. Why Do Catholics Have First Communion?
The Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church teaches that the Holy Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (1324). Catholics believe that only through the Eucharist can one experience the complete love and fullness Jesus or be in complete union with the Catholic Church and her teachings. In addition, in John 6:53 , Jesus said that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you."
3. What Requirements Are There for First Communicants?
To partake in First Communion, there are some prerequisites you must meet. The Catholic Church requires that children (or any first communicants) have at least a basic understanding of the sacrament and know the difference between ordinary bread and the consecrated host. They will also need to go for confession beforehand and be in a state of grace.
Taking First Communion in the Catholic Church
During Catholic Mass, parishioners receive the body and blood of Christ, drawing them closer to Jesus in a spiritual and physical way. Before First Communion, children do not take part in the Eucharist. Instead, children are invited to receive a special blessing from the priest during this part of Mass.
4. What is the Age for First Communion?
First Communion is the second sacrament of initiation in the Catholic Church. It takes place after the sacrament of Baptism. Although it varies across different parishes, this is usually around the age of seven or eight, or during first or second grade. If you convert to Catholicism in adulthood, your First Communion will take place at the same time as your Baptism and Confirmation in the Catholic Church, most often during the Easter Vigil Mass.
5. How Long Does it Take to Get Your First Communion?
First Communion can only happen once you’ve been baptized in the Catholic Church. First Communion classes are part of a series of religious education classes taken during the primary school years. They typically take place weekly during the academic year, from September to May, and end with a First Communion ceremony in the spring, at a Catholic Mass.
6. What Is Taught in First Communion Classes?
First Communion classes teach children how to grow closer to God. The children are meant to develop a personal relationship with God in this time. There is not a set curriculum, but students can expect to learn about basic theology, the Catholic Mass, and the importance of receiving the Eucharist. The focus isn’t entirely on First Communion, rather, classes focus on the importance of deepening one’s faith in God.
Preparing for the First Communion Ceremony
Communion, whether a First Communion or not, can only take place when a person is free from mortal sin. We want our hearts to be clean and pure before receiving the body and blood of Jesus within us. So, in preparation for their First Communion, children also receive the Sacrament of Penance (confession) often about a week prior to their First Communion. If you’re wondering what to expect at the First Communion ceremony, keep reading.
7. What Happens at a First Communion?
The First Communion ceremony takes place during Catholic Mass, which can last anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes total. The priest blesses those about to receive their First Communion and then begins the Eucharist ceremony, during which children receive Holy Communion - the body and blood of Jesus Christ - for the first time, accompanied by their godparents and other family members.
8. Do You Need Sponsors?
No, you do not need sponsors for First Communion. Instead, a child’s godparents are invited to the ceremonies and are asked to take a special part in the day with their godchild.
9. Do You Need Godparents?
You don’t need godparents for First Communion, but it’s common for them to attend the Mass and post-Mass celebration. In the Catholic Church, godparents are assigned at a child’s Baptism and vow to guide that child on their spiritual path. For this reason, godparents usually help prepare a child for their sacrament.
10. What is the Attire for Your First Communicant?
The Catholic Church teaches that during your First Holy Communion, you become the bride of Christ. That is why girls wear white dresses and boys wear suits - it is like a wedding! While it is important to find a dress or suit that your communicant feels comfortable in and is excited to wear, remember that the most important thing is that they are prepared spiritually.
A Seat at the Lord’s Table
First Communion is one of the most important sacraments Catholics receive, as the Holy Eucharist is such a central piece of the Catholic faith. After being baptized in the Catholic Church and upon reaching the age of 7 or 8, children are invited to join in communion with Jesus Christ and gain a seat at his table through the consumption of the Holy Eucharist.
May God send down his Holy Spirit and pour out abundant blessings upon all First Communicants. Amen.
Find the Perfect Gift
Now that you have a solid background on the sacrament, make sure that you have a thoughtful gift picked out that will be meaningful to them and centered on faith. Check out our helpful gift guides, filled with special and unique personalized gifts for your first communicant.
