Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. It is during First Holy Communion that we receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time.
The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar. For us as Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass. If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received First Holy Communion, please check out The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There you will find good information on what that process is and also contact information for the person who can tell you more about it.
If you are visiting our site because your child is approaching second grade, or a little older and you want to know the process for your child to receive First Holy Communion, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith.
Now, you want to know what is necessary for your child to receive First Holy Communion. Below are some frequently asked questions to get you started. If your question or situation does not fit neatly into these answers, don't panic. Life happens! Please call Mrs. Linda Cuzzolini at the Parish Office at 419.289.7224 with your questions.
At a minimum, your child must:
• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. Basically, they must have been baptized with water and "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." In the case of a youth baptized in another Christian denomination, they will make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church before making their First Communion - please contact the Parish Office to discuss this. Please contact the Parish Office by phone at 419.289.7224 or email us for further information.
• Have received at least one year of religious education instruction before second grade. If your child is older than second grade, we may require completion of the Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) . RCIC is a comprehensive program of instruction that can "catch up" your child's religious instruction when years were missed. Contact Mrs. Linda Cuzzolini by phone at 419.289.7224 if that is the case.
• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Instruction for this sacrament will take place at the same time as instruction for First Holy Communion in the St. Edward religious education programs. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place a few weeks before First Holy Communion.
The instruction for First Holy Communion typically takes place during a school year schedule for both the Catholic school and public school children in second grade. Older children receiving their instruction in RCIC will follow a schedule worked out between the family and Mrs. Cuzzolini.
First Holy Communion for second graders is usually scheduled in early May. Please see your schedule received in class for the exact date.
If you remember, at your child's Baptism, you as parents reaffirmed your belief in the Catholic Church and promised to raise your child in the Catholic faith. This is what the Church calls our "founded hope" that your child will be raised in the Catholic faith. Today, if this "founded hope" is in jeopardy because your faith as a parent has changed and you no longer believe in the Catholic Church, or you attend another Christian church, or for whatever reason you are not willing to ensure that your child will have opportunities to learn the faith and attend Sunday Mass, there may be reason to delay First Holy Communion. These are serious issues and will need the pastor's determination to proceed. If any of this describes your belief or practice today, please contact a priest or deacon early to discuss your particular situation.
If you are visiting our site because your child is approaching second grade, or a little older and you want to know the process for your child to receive First Holy Communion, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith.