“Holy Communion is the reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist. More generally, it is our fellowship and union with Jesus and other baptized Christians in the Church, which has its source and summit in the celebration of the Eucharist. In this sense, Church as communion is the deepest vocation of the Church.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 1382, 959
The preparation process for First Holy Communion affords us an opportunity to help our children form lifelong habits as Catholics by forming them in prayer and in assisting their comprehension of the amazing grace offered in this sacrament. At Baptism parents are called to raise their children in the ways of the faith. First Holy Communion is a continuation of that promise and is, as our catechism states, the “source and summit” of our faith.
We are all on a journey, and the children are in the beginning stages of theirs as they prepare for First Holy Communion. Parents, catechists, and the pastor aid the children in their journey of recognizing that this is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. It is at Holy Mass that bread and wine are transformed into the Precious Body and Precious Blood of Jesus, and that through Holy Communion He can and will transform us.
Our preparation is geared toward doing all we can to be sure that children and their parents are ready to experience First Holy Communion as the beginning of a lifetime of being nourished at the Lord’s Table. It is not only about the academics of “making a sacrament” but a very significant amount of importance is placed on the spiritual preparation of the child. Children learn what they live as the saying goes. When attending Holy Mass and participating in the Eucharist and Reconciliation are important to you, it will also be important to your child.
Children typically begin the preparation program for these sacraments in the fall of their second grade school year. They need to be at least 7 years old.
Preparation for the Sacraments of First Reconciliation (Penance) /First Communion is coordinated with the parent-child participation in our Growing in Faith Together (GIFT) program. You can register your family for GIFT and your child for sacramental preparation using our paper forms that are located in both churches and our parish offices, OR you can click on the following link: GIFT 2019-2020.
The children participate with their parent(s) as they prepare to receive each of these sacraments of initiation. We utilize the St. Mary's Press "Go-Seek-Find" curriculum, with at-home lessons with parent(s) and child, large group mini-lessons on Sunday mornings and a parent-child potluck lunch and workshop. Each child along with their parent(s) is expected to attend our GIFT K-4 breakout sessions. An additional resource for children who are preparing for their First Communion is our Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) program, which takes place during our Sunday Masses at both St. Isidore and St. Elizabeth churches.
The first reception of Holy Communion usually takes place during the Easter season at our regularly scheduled Masses. These Mass dates should be finalized by December. Upon request, we can schedule a child's first communion at other times of the year.
Please contact Joan Mattila, Coordinator of Young Family Ministries, with any questions or if you would like to join our K-4 Volunteer Team:
Office Phone: 978-263-4305, ext. 17 (Office Hours: Mon.-Thur. and Sunday)
My Child is preparing for First Communion, so do I have to register for GIFT also?
The short answer to this question is YES, but here’s some further explanation. First Communion is centered on preparing children to receive the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. The resources are family based, and all of our sessions involve the parent(s) with their child. Growing In Faith Together (GIFT) and sacramental preparation for first communion are complementary in that, together, they complete our parish “faith formation” experience for our young people and their families. GIFT is our core faith formation offering, and it allows young families to make connections over a delicious meal, and then to experience engaging, faith-based breakout sessions. The GIFT breakout sessions this year will focus on faith topics that research has shown to be the biggest questions facing families today (i.e., friends, worry, managing your money, etc.). We look forward to welcoming and to supporting you and your family in your faith journey!
Is it too late to prepare my third or fourth grade child for First Communion?
No! the minimum age of reception of the sacrament is 7 years so most children are in grade two. However, we have many children in grades 3, 4 and even 5 who work together with their families, and often other siblings, to prepare. Because this is a family based program, there are no grade level classes which makes it easy for older children to participate. For more details and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Joan Mattila, the program coordinator.
What if my child is not baptized?
Baptism is the first sarament. If your child is not baptized and is not yet 7 years old, please reach out to Joan as soon as you can to arrange for the sacrament of Baptism. If your child over the age of there is a different path. Children not baptized as infants and who have reached the 'age of reason,’ 7 years old or older, the Catholic Church has reinstated the centuries old tradition of the RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, and has adapted it to children, to help them nurture a personal faith. Through this process, children are prepared for full inititaion, to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. Please contact Joan for more details and to discuss your particular situation.