Info-Authority: First Communion

First Communion is a major religious event in the life of a child as it denotes an important step in understanding the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. It is celebrated at Sunday Mass before members of the Church and through a series of parties and family events. To a lesser extent, Lutherans and other denominations also celebrate First Communion.

First Communion is a child's rite of passage along the way to adulthood in the Catholic church.

Preparing for First Communion

Preparing a child for First Communion usually begins in second grade. By this age, a child is able to begin understanding the basics of religion and its implications on the life of an individual. The First Communion is generally celebrated during the Easter season. It is defined as when the child attends Mass with his or her family and friends for the first time to receive the bread or host.

Before a child can participate in the First Holy Communion, he or she must be baptized, which is the first of the seven sacraments and is a requirement for salvation. Because baptism is performed on newborns who, of course, cannot understand the significance, the First Communion is held when a child reaches the age of being able to use reason. A child must also confess his or her sins in the rite of Confession prior to receiving First Communion.

Training, or catechesis, will begin with visits to Mass. Parents and children must attend Mass at least once weekly during the educational period. Parents guide their children to understand that First Communion is of great spiritual importance and that they are giving themselves to Christ for the first time as a pure and repentant individual. If a child is attending Catholic school, teachers also become involved. Otherwise, a catechist will typically oversee the official education.

The child will learn how to receive the holy bread and be encouraged to participate in a charity project or give to the poor. He or she is schooled in the life and teachings of Jesus. When the child has undergone two years of religious schooling, he or she is deemed ready for this important spiritual step.

A Celebration for Friends and Family

First Communion is also a time for wearing finer clothes and receiving gifts. Boys wear suits – either white or dark with a white dress shirt and tie. Girls wear specially-designed white dresses, which represent purity and the robes of Jesus. These may be new or are handed down according to family tradition. A girl will wear a veil as a symbol of the tablecloth on which Jesus and the disciples ate during the Last Supper. Gifts are religious in nature and include rosaries, crucifixes, and statues. Catholic families often celebrate Confirmation anniversaries as well.

Events surrounding First Communion have escalated in recent years. Parents reserve banquet halls, catering services, and limousines for this very special occasion. The elaborate parties have drawn some criticism that too much emphasis is placed on secular values and less on the significance of this spiritual event. Breakfasts and simple gatherings for extended family members may also be scheduled.

By Cindy Kennedy




	First Communion First Communion is a major religious event in the life of a child as it denotes an important step in understanding the teachings and doctrine of the Catholic Church. It is celebrated at Sunday Mass before members of the Church and through a series of parties and family events. To a lesser extent, Lutherans and other denominations also celebrate First Communion. First Communion is a child's rite of passage along the way to adulthood in the Catholic church. Preparing for First Communion Preparing a child for First Communion usually begins in second grade. By this age, a child is able to begin understanding the basics of religion and its implications on the life of an individual. The First Communion is generally celebrated during the Easter season. It is defined as when the child attends Mass with his or her family and friends for the first time to receive the bread or host. Before a child can participate in the First Holy Communion, he or she must be baptized, which is the first of the seven sacraments and is a requirement for salvation. Because baptism is performed on newborns who, of course, cannot understand the significance, the First Communion is held when a child reaches the age of being able to use reason. A child must also confess his or her sins in the rite of Confession prior to receiving First Communion. Training, or catechesis, will begin with visits to Mass. Parents and children must attend Mass at least once weekly during the educational period. Parents guide their children to understand that First Communion is of great spiritual importance and that they are giving themselves to Christ for the first time as a pure and repentant individual. If a child is attending Catholic school, teachers also become involved. Otherwise, a catechist will typically oversee the official education. The child will learn how to receive the holy bread and be encouraged to participate in a charity project or give to the poor. He or she is schooled in the life and teachings of Jesus. When the child has undergone two years of religious schooling, he or she is deemed ready for this important spiritual step. A Celebration for Friends and Family First Communion is also a time for wearing finer clothes and receiving gifts. Boys wear suits – either white or dark with a white dress shirt and tie. Girls wear specially-designed white dresses, which represent purity and the robes of Jesus. These may be new or are handed down according to family tradition. A girl will wear a veil as a symbol of the tablecloth on which Jesus and the disciples ate during the Last Supper. Gifts are religious in nature and include rosaries, crucifixes, and statues. Catholic families often celebrate Confirmation anniversaries as well. Events surrounding First Communion have escalated in recent years. Parents reserve banquet halls, catering services, and limousines for this very special occasion. The elaborate parties have drawn some criticism that too much emphasis is placed on secular values and less on the significance of this spiritual event. Breakfasts and simple gatherings for extended family members may also be scheduled. By Cindy Kennedy Related Links: First Communion Source Complete shopping service for First Communion clothing, accessories, and gifts.