First Communion

"This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me."

The Sacrament of Holy Communion, also known as Eucharist, is a sacred occasion for all Catholics. During the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive and eat the body and blood of Christ Jesus, and they enter into unity with Christ and the Church. The Church encourages all its members, in a state of grace, to partake of Communion weekly at the Sunday Mass. ​

For children, First Holy Communion is traditionally celebrated during 2nd grade in late spring. To participate in the celebration of First Communion as a 2nd grader, children attend weekly Faith Formation classes during the school year (or attend St. Francis Catholic School). Faith Formation helps children attain the Church requirement of “sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so as to understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity, and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion.”  Just as important as knowledge is the weekly family practice of attending Mass together and sharing faith in the home.

Older children and teens follow a different process.  If you seek First Communion for children in grades 3-12, please contact Alissa Herrick.

For adults, who are becoming Catholic, their First Communion is normally celebrated at the Easter Vigil Mass, after a process of prayerful discernment and catechesis, known as the Rite of Christian Initiation.