First Communion and First Reconciliation

“This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.”

The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as Eucharist, is a sacred occasion for all Catholics. During the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive the body and blood of Christ Jesus, and they enter into unity with Christ and the Church. The Church encourages all its members, in a state of grace, to partake of Holy Communion weekly at Sunday Mass.

First Holy Communion for children is celebrated at Old St. Mary’s annually in the spring. In order to participate in the celebration of First Holy Communion, children not enrolled in Old St. Mary’s School must attend weekly Parish Religious Education classes. These classes are held from September through May.

Please note: Archdiocesan guidelines require two years of Faith Formation before a child can receive the sacraments.

Our Faith Formation program helps children fulfill the Church requirement of “sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion.”

For adults, who are becoming Catholic, their First Communion is normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass, after a process of prayerful discernment and catechesis, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation.