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First Holy Communion

Forms & Documents:
First Holy Communion

 

The date of First Holy Communion will be the weekend of April 22nd and 23rd at all Masses. 

First Eucharist Notes For Parents

 

The big day is finally approaching, and your children have done excellent. I wanted to write to you parents so that you can help your child on their big day.

 

  1. If you have not already done so, please contact the cathedral office right away and sign up for whichever Mass they will be at.

  2. The children will be seated in the front pews together and they will receive first at Communion. We recommend that girls wear a white dress if possible, and boys wear dress shirt and slacks and even a tie; if possible.

  3. Please do not use flash photography and refrain from doing aerobics in order to get a picture. There will be plenty of time after the Mass for photos.

 

Things to practice with your child.

 

  1. The first step is a formal bow as they approach.

  2. Make a throne with your hands if that is how they are receiving or have them open their mouths if they are receiving on the tongue. Both forms are acceptable.

  3. The chalice is now available. Perhaps let them taste a little bit of wine at home so they can taste it prior to them receiving. This avoids awkward situations when they taste it at communion. Make sure they bow first, say “Amen”, and then sip slowly and hand it back.

  4. Once they have received, they step to the side, make the sign of the cross and go back to their seats.”

 

We recommend that the children be there 15 minutes before Mass. Hopefully these little tidbits will help. Thank you again for the gift of your children and may it be a most beautiful day!

 

Many Blessings,

 

Deacon Bob

Q. What is Holy Eucharist?

A. The Holy Eucharist is the Sacrament which contains the body and blood, soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ under the appearances of bread and wine. 1

The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. 2

Children

Children going into the 2nd grade are eligible to receive First Holy Communion. Classes begin in October and end in May. To sign up download the registration form and return it to the Faith Formation offices.

Adults

Adults must attend the Rite of Christian Initiation classes starting in mid- September and ending at Easter. After attending classes and having sufficient reflection on entering the Catholic Church, adults can receive first Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil. If you have an irregular situation, such as a schismatic group, please call the Cathedral to talk to a clergy member about how to come into full communion.

1 Baltimore Catechism, 870

2 Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1322

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