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First Holy Eucharist

St. Michael Religious Education

The Eucharist (from the Greek word meaning thanksgiving) is the sacramental celebration of the
Paschal Mystery, Christ's dying and rising for all humankind, for all time. The framework for the
sacrament is one of praise and thanks for all that God has done and continues to do.

Christ is present in the Eucharist liturgy in four ways. In the Liturgy of the Word Christ speaks to
us through the readings from sacred Scripture, most especiallly in the Gospel. The presider
(ordained minister) reads the Gospel, interprets it in his homily and leads us in the prayers of the
Mass. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist the Holy Spirit is called down on the gifts of bread and
wine, transforming them into the real Presence of Christ, his Body and Blood. The Spirit also
transforms the assembly into the Body of Christ, the People of God, that they may continue the
work of Christ in the present world.

The First Holy Communion is received during the Easter season in second grade after the child
has satisfactorily completed two years of religious education.

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Photograph of the Madonna and Child used with
kind permission from Lori Fleissner

The Sacrament of Eucharist for Second Graders

Parents are involved in the sacrement preparation because the Church views your role as parent in
the religious formation of your children as both a privilege and obligation. When you presented
your child to the Church for Baptism, you were reminded that you have the responsiblity "of
training [your child] in the practice of the faith." (Rite of Baptism of Children 77). This obligation
and privilege extends to sacrament preparation. All family members are priveleged to journey with
their children as they prepare for receiving the sacrament of Eucharist.

It is important to remember that it has been within your family that your children have first come to
faith. It is within your family setting that your children will continue to live out faith and witness the
daily example of Catholic believers.

The Code of Canon Law of the Catholic Church states that children are required to have sufficient
knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their
capacity and so that they receive the Body of the Lord with devotion (Canon 913). This
requirement would seem to have two parts:

First, your child must know that this bread and wine have become the Body and Blood of
Jesus Christ - that Jesus is truly present.

Second, your child must have sufficient preparation to allow for reception of the Eucharist with
appropriate devotion and reverence.

Readiness for the reception of Eucharist for the first time

There are several reasonable expectations that would point to your child's readiness. It is reasonable
to expect that:

your child has been participating in Sunday Mass on a regular basis.

your child has been participating in an ongoing religion program and will continue to do so.

your child is beginning to know the responses and the prayers of the mass, in particular the
Our Father, the Holy, Holy, Holy Acclamation, the Memorial Acclamation, and the Great
Amen.

prayer is a part of your child's life and is experienced within your family as well as the church
community.

your child has the capacity for reverence which is necessary for sharing in the Eucharistic
banquet.

Second Grade Text, Called to His Supper

The text, Called to His Supper (Our Sunday Visitor), is based on the belief that the celebration of
the Eucharist is at the very heart of Catholic Christian life. The text will help children prepare to:

participate fully in Mass

better understand the parts of the Mass

come to a deeper faith in Jesus

have a greater sense of belonging to the Church

In addition, it brings children to an awareness of being called to be the Body of Christ for others
and encourages them to share the love that they have been given.

The focus of your child's preparation is not only the celebration of first Eucharist, but more
importantly, your child's preparation for a lifetime of being nourished at the table of the Lord.
Sacrament preparation is not only about cognitive learning; it is also a period of true spiritual
preparation.