First Communion

The Catholic Church celebrates the sacrament of Eucharist as the chief act of worship. It was instituted by Jesus “in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until He should come again, and so to entrust to His beloved Spouse, the Church, a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us”  (Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 47, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy).

Through the preparation process, children in 2nd grade or higher and their families deepen their understanding of this sacred mystery. It is preferred that one full year of Catholic faith formation has been completed prior to enrolling.  Parents help their children to prepare for this special sacrament by bringing them to weekly Mass and attending parent/child preparation sessions as well as completing a workbook at home. The true presence of Christ in the Eucharist is highlighted and children are taught the proper way to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. Preparation typically begins in February with the celebration taking place in May.

Fr. Patrick O'Loughlin and the First Communion Class of 2017