Eucharist

(First Holy Communion)

Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is one of the three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. We receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time during the First Holy Communion. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity that are 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 no greater privilege than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass.

First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Catholic person’s life. It is the first time that a person receives the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. Most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are 7 or 8 years old as this is considered the age of reason.

Older people can receive communion for the first time when they have met all of the Catholic Church’s requirements. If you are an adult, 18 years or older, who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic and have never received First Holy Communion, please see our section on RCIA.

FAQS

  • 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.”

    • Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation should have taken place along with First Holy Communion. If your child has not received one or both of these sacraments, contact us for more information.

  • First Eucharist is celebrated with children who have reached the age of reason (usually in Grade 2) and have completed a program of immediate sacramental preparation. If your child is a student at Canadian Martyrs Elementary, you will receive information regarding First Communion when it is time.

    If your child is not with Canadian Martyrs elementary, please contact us for more information.

  • If your child is a student at Canadian Martyrs, you will be contacted with information about First Communion when your child is in Grade 2. If your child is not a student at Canadian Martyrs, please contact us for more information.  

  • Traditionally, young Catholic children will make their first confession, also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, before receiving their First Holy Communion. But confession is not the only requirement for receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; the Sacrament of Baptism must have been received as well. A child, or any person, who has not been baptized cannot receive communion.