“This is my body which is given for you; do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19)
WHAT IS THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION?
The Sacrament of First Communion is the second Sacrament of Initiation in the Catholic Church. This sacrament is when a baptized Catholic has received the Body and Blood of Christ for the first time.
CHILDREN AND THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
How old are children when they receive the sacrament?
Children typically receive the sacrament at the age of seven, which is considered to be the age of reason. However, children can receive this sacrament up to the age of 17 by participating in our Faith Formation Program.
When do children receive their First Holy Communion at OLR?
There are usually three Masses during the month of May when our parish children receive the sacrament.
What is the role and qualifications for Godparents?
We do not require for a child to have godparents or sponsors for the sacrament of Holy Communion; however, we recognize that many cultures practice the use of godparents, which may or not be the child’s baptism godparents.
What do I need to do to have my child receive First Holy Communion?
Children prepare to receive their First Holy Communion by being enrolled in our Faith Formation Program. To use the older terminology that we used to use, this means that your child would attend catechism or CCD classes to prepare for their First Holy Communion. Children may enroll in the Faith Formation Program at OLR when they are at least 6 years old. They will be in the program for two years before receiving the sacrament.
Enrollment in the Faith Formation Program takes place only once a year in the summer and fall, and the program begins in September. To enroll in this program, parents should start by completing the Faith Formation Program registration form.
A copy of your child’s baptism certificate is required at the time of registration. The certificate can be submitted:
- In person at the Parish Office
- Via email (dmarquez@olrchurch.org)
- As a photo of the certificate sent via text (my cell)
If registrations are currently being taken, there will be a button to the right that you can click to fill out the registration form. __________ button
THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION
Depending on a child's age and the years he or she has been part of the Faith Formation program, it is possible that he or she could receive both the Sacrament of First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Confirmation the same year. However, the sacraments would be received at two individual Masses.
THE SACRAMENT OF FIRST HOLY COMMUNION FOR ADULTS 18 YEARS AND OLDER
Adults who are 18 years of age and older will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion by enrolling in the RCIA program. It is a two-year long program where the adult can prepare to receive other sacraments that he or she has not received as well. The adult would receive his or her First Holy Communion at the Easter Vigil Mass.
This program beings in September, but anyone who has interest in RCIA can contact us at any time. To enroll in this program, the person who is interested should fill out the RICA Inquiry Form. To access this form, click here.
