Eucharist

First Communion

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion: Jesus Shares His Love with You

What Is First Holy Communion?

First Communion is when a child receives the Holy Eucharist—Jesus’ own Body and Blood under the form of bread—for the first time. It’s part of the sacraments of initiation (Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist), where the Eucharist completes your journey into God’s family. The Church teaches that children should receive it after reaching the age of reason (around 7 years old, like 2nd grade), when you can tell the difference between ordinary bread and the special Eucharistic Bread that is truly Jesus.

“The First Communion of children must always be preceded by sacramental confession and absolution. Moreover First Communion should always be administered by a Priest and never outside the celebration of Mass.” (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 87)

You don’t need to know the whole catechism perfectly yet—just enough to understand Jesus’ love in this gift and approach with simple devotion fitting your age. You’ll learn more step by step afterward.

Why Receive First Communion?

Jesus wants every child to receive Him early, so you can grow close to Him from the start. It’s not just a party or tradition—it’s Jesus giving Himself to you as real food for your heart and soul, like He did at the Last Supper. Pope Francis says it’s the beginning of belonging intensely to Jesus, after Baptism and before Confirmation. The Church picks special days like Sundays in Easter time or Corpus Christi, not usually Holy Thursday.

In Raceland, with our bayou life and family gatherings, think of it as Jesus joining your table—nourishing you for school, friends, and hurricanes, helping you thank God like a big “thank you” meal.

The Graces and Gifts of First Communion

When you receive Jesus:

• You get special strength: The Eucharist is thanksgiving to the Father, Jesus’ sacrifice made present, and His real presence—filling you with love and joy.
• Jesus lives in you: It unites you to Him and the Church, like a family feast that grows your faith.
• Food for life: It’s Bread from heaven, tasting eternity now, satisfying your deepest hungers better than any snack.

“The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1322)

St. Hilary taught that the Holy Spirit (from Father and Son) dwells in us through Jesus—First Communion invites this Trinity into your heart!

Preparation for First Communion at St. Hilary

Your 2nd-grade classes will prepare you in the following ways:

• First Confession will be received prior to the Eucharist. We learn all about God’s love and forgiveness so we can have pure hearts to receive Him.
• Learn to love Jesus, know basic faith mysteries, and spot Eucharist from regular bread.
• Practice reverence, prayer, and family talks—parents help too!

At St. Hilary, we focus on joy, like Pope Francis urges: Does Mass make you see others as brothers? Help the poor? That’s Eucharist living in you! 

The Rite of First Communion

Living First Communion Every Day in Raceland

After, keep coming to Mass weekly—Jesus waits to feed you always! Share His love: pray before meals, be kind at recess, help family like after a storm. Don’t let it be “just once”—let it change you, like families sharing meals build strong bonds. Pope Francis says: Go to Mass to receive Communion, feel Church family, and grow forever.

In summary, First Holy Communion brings Jesus right into your heart as 2nd graders—prepare with joy, receive with love, and live it daily as brave friends of Christ at St. Hilary. Amen! 

Eucharistic Revival