For Holy Communion to be administered to children, it is required that they have sufficient knowledge and be accurately prepared, so that according to their capacity they understand what the mystery of Christ means, and are able to receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion. ~Code of Canon Law 913
Our First Communion program is a two year program which begins in the first grade. The first year provides an understanding of God and his great love for us. The children will learn about the Blessed Trinity, the Blessed Mother and Jesus the Light of the World; they will be introduced to the Sacraments as well as the liturgical seasons of the church.
In the second year, the children will be prepared to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as First Communion. They will come to understand that God is all merciful and always there to help and guide us on our path to holiness. They will learn about Jesus and His gift of Himself in the Eucharist.
Parents, yours is a most important role. You provide the foundation for your child’s understanding of the Eucharist, the source and summit of our faith. As a parent or guardian, you are the primary teacher of the faith. Our catechists work in partnership with you to help your child learn about Jesus and His great love. Parents are expected to attend weekly Mass with their children, bring their children to class each week, and attend the parent meetings held throughout the year.
Our First Communion classes take place on Sunday mornings from 9:55-10:50 in Fr. Greenan Parish Center.
Children attending parochial school must attend religious education classes in the second grade.
POPE FRANCIS speaks about Holy Communion
“It’s important for children to properly prepare for their First Communion, so that there’s no child without this Sacrament. The Eucharist is a firm firm step towards Jesus, along with Baptism and Confirmation.”
“You, who will make your First Communion, always remember that day your whole life: the first day that Jesus came in to us. He comes, makes himself one with us, makes himself our food, our nourishment to give us strength.”
“The Eucharist is such a great gift. That’s why going to Mass is so important. Going to Mass not just to pray, but to receive Communion, the Bread and Body of Christ. It saves us, forgives us and it makes us one with the Father. How beautiful!”