Receiving Holy Communion for the first, or the hundred and first, time is like nothing else in the world. The Holy Eucharist is a mystery as profound and unfathomable as the Trinity. One does not understand how Christ can assume the form of bread and wine. One believes.

PROCESS & TIME-LINE

First Eucharist (Holy Communion) Preparation is typically a three year process for children beginning their Religious Education process in first or second grade. The first year is an introduction to the faith; second year the child prepares for the Sacrament of Reconcilliation (Confession) and the third year the child prepares for the Sacrament of Eucharist (Holy Communion).

For children beginning their Religious Education process in grade three or above, the process is typically a two year process. The first year is an introduction for faith and the second year is preparation for the sacraments of Reconcilliation and Eucharist.

HELP YOUR CHILD PREPARE FOR FIRST COMMUNION:

• Go to Sunday Mass with your children.
• Talk about what went on at Mass.
• Share how special it is to receive Jesus.
• Make visits to the Blessed Sacrament
• Come early to Mass (or stay after) and pray before the Blessed Sacrament
• Spend time in the Adoration Chapel with your child.
• Talk about how God is working in your life and what the Eucharist means to you.
• Share your experience of your first Communion.
• Encourage Journal writing.

ROLE OF THE GODPARENTS

Although there is no specific liturgical role for godparents in the celebration of First Communion they can be an important part of the preparation process. Godparents should be encouraged to pray for their godchild and to let the godchild know they are doing so. Certainly, they might talk to their godchild about the day of his or her baptism and the importance of that sacrament. Each year on the anniversary of the baptism, godparents might remember their godchild with a note, phone call or by planning a special activity together. Just as with the child’s parents, full participation at the Sunday liturgy each week is the best example godparents can provide for their godchildren.

MAKE IT MEMORABLE : ADOPT A TRADITION

1. Make a First Communion banner. You can do this with your child whether or not their “class” does it together.
2. Have a Special First Communion breakfast that morning.
3. Make a First Communion cake.
4. Expect participation in Mass. Now that your child is making their First Communion, they need to be “big” at Mass. No more toys, Mass bags, snacks, or doodle pads. It’s time to sit, stand, kneel, pray… participate in the Mass. One way to do this is to get them a children’s Mass missal.
5. Give a timeless gift they can hold onto forever, such as a prayer book, rosary, religious necklace, crucifix, or Bible. That way, they can use this item and always know they got it for their First Communion. These things will be long cherished after the little statues of boys and girls are broken or forgotten. If you get a prayer book or Bible, you can have their name and the date engraved on the cover at many Catholic shops for around a nominal fee.
6. Have your child get their items blessed by the priest. After they receive their gifts, take them to Mass with you the next Sunday and have your child request that the priest bless them. It’s good for them to be involved in this process.
7. Light their Baptism candle at dinner. Traditionally, Baptism candles were lit at special occasions such as Baptism anniversaries, and First Communion dinners.
8. Have a special clothing item- for a girl, get a veil. For a boy, get an old fashioned First Communion armband.
9. Get enrolled in the scapular. It used to be very common for all children to be enrolled at the time of their First Holy Communion.