First Holy Communion

Candidates

From the Diocese of Rochester, Policies for the Administration of the Sacraments, 2.2:

Ordinarily, candidates for First Penance and First Eucharist have participated in regular religious education or attend Catholic School for the year preceding enrollment for  preparation for First Eucharist. (In other words, these children were part of a formal first grade  faith formation experience.)

Candidates for First Eucharist will have made sacramental confession before receiving this Sacrament in accordance with canon 914 of the Code of Canon Law which states: “It is  primarily the duty of parents, and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty  of the pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food  as soon as possible.” (CIC, c. 914; CCC, no. 1457).

Preparation

The catechesis and celebration of First Eucharist is to be separated from that of First Penance, and these Sacraments shall ordinarily take place when a child is in grade two.

The administration of the Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the Body of Christ with faith and devotion. (Cf. CIC, c. 913, §1).

The immediate preparation for First Eucharist is distinct, in programming and content,  from the catechesis for First Penance; and separate from both Catholic schools and religious  education programs.

Our First Penance and First Communion celebration normally occurs in May, with registration in January and March. Please contact the Director of Faith Formation for more details.