First Holy Communion

What is First Holy Communion?

First Holy Communion is one of the seven Sacraments. It the partaking of the eucharist for the first time as part of a special ceremony.

What happens at the consecration in the Mass?

By the consecration, the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine, Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in with his soul and divinity. (CCC, no.1413; Council of Trent: DS 1640, 1651)

What are the effects of Holy Communion?

Communion with the Body and Blood of Christ increases the communicant's union with the Lord, forgives his venial sins, and preserves him from grave sins. Since receiving this sacrament strengthens the bonds of charity between the communicant and Christ, It also reinforces the unity of the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ.

Why is it Valuable to visit the Blessed Sacrament?

Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the Altar, He is to be honored with the worship of adoration. "To visit the Blessed Sacrament is..a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord." (CCC, no. 1418; Pope Paul VI, Mystery of Faith, no. 66)


Basic Requirements
  • First Holy Communion is a two-year program, begins the Tuesday after Labor Day, and runs until the first week of May.  Registration takes place in April.  The first year children make their First Confession; this is usually done in 2nd grade.  First Communion is then celebrated in 3rd grade. 

  • There is a $50.00 fee for participating in the First Holy Communion and RCIC Program. This Fee Covers books, materials, speaker stipend, and certificates. 

  • All First Holy Communion students are strongly encouraged to attend mass on Sundays and Holy Days.

  • Parents of First Holy Communion students must provide a Baptismal Certificate for the student at the time of registration. If baptized in this parish please contact the parish office at 869-2189

  • First Holy Communion students are required to be prepared for every class. This means students must bring their required text books to every class. (Failure to bring textbooks to class will result in the Candidate being marked absent and a parent being called. The Candidate will not be allowed to be in class without a book).

 
Policies for Students and Parents
 Attendance

This is a sacramental course; therefore attendance is of the upmost importance.

  1. No more than 3 absences are permitted during the program year. Candidates with more han 3 unexcused will be dismissed from the program and will NOT recieve First Holy Communion. If a student is not attending due to an illness a parent must call the Religious Education office in order for the student to be excused.

  2. Candidates Who arrive to calss laterthan 15 minutes will be counted absent. Candidates are expected to arrive to class promptly at the designated time.

  3. Students will be marked absent if he/she comes to class without the required textbook.

  4. Parents must participate in meeting whenever required.

Code of Conduct

Students are to have the upmost respect for the teachers, staff, Pastor, Deacons, fellow students, and church facilities. Using vulgar language (bad words) is absolutely not permitted. Vandalizing the church, church facilities, and surrounding property will absolutely not be tolerated. No food, gum, drinks or cell phones will be allowed in the classroom or the Church.

Parents are also expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner. The use of vulgar language (bad words) towards the teachers, staff, Pastor, Deacons or other students will not be tolerated. If the Parent of Sponsor has a pressing concern or issue with the program or anyone involved with the program they are asked to contact the religious education office and schedule a meeting to discuss any concerns. Bad behavior not only by the student but also by the parents will be cause for removal from the First Holy Communion program.

Dress Code on the day Celebrating First Holy Communion

On First Communion day students are to dress in approved attire only. For males this incudes a white button up shirt with a tie,  black pants fitted and worn to the waist (no sagging) an dress shoes. Females are to wear a white dress (knee length or longer) wit sleeves. NO bare shoulder or spaghetti straps, no plunging neck line (below 2" from collar bone), NO bare backs, No slits above the knee. Absolutely NO pants, capri pants or shorts.