Eucharist

Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.

The faithful should hold the Eucharist in highest honor. They should take part actively in the celebration of the sacrifice, receive the sacrament very devoutly and frequently, and worship it with great devotion (can. 898). All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Eucharist, are obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year. This precept must be fulfilled in the Easter season.

For the Eucharist to be administered to children, they must have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they can understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion.

At St. Noel, the celebration of First Holy Communion occurs at weekend parish liturgies on the designated First Communion weekend, generally scheduled for the Third Sunday of Easter), but it may occur at any parish weekend liturgy during the Easter season.

If your family is ready to begin formal preparation for a young person’s reception of their First Holy Communion in the spring of 2027, please contact Michele.

Instruction and Preparation

Canon Law presumes that a child reaches the use of reason at age seven (traditionally, second grade). Therefore, children should be prepared for first Communion at about this age so that they may receive the sacrament “as soon as possible” (can. 914). When a child’s parents discern a readiness for this sacrament of Christian Initiation, the family begins a formal process of preparation.

There should also be some preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) beforehand. Preparation for First Reconciliation (Penance), most importantly, involves the readiness and maturity of the individual child. Catechesis takes place at all levels of religious development. While the time to celebrate this sacrament is left to the decision of the child and parent, the usual time to celebrate this sacrament is at a communal penance service for our young people during the season of Lent (usually a Saturday afternoon), or at any time by making an appointment with the pastor.

Formal preparation for First Holy Communion includes:

• Participation in liturgy with the parish community
• Attendance at six Family Sessions (Sundays, 12:15—1:30 pm, September through March)
• Attendance at a mini retreat/rehearsal (usually the Wednesday afternoon/evening before First Communion weekend) 
• Catechesis in St. Noel Family Faith Formation program or attendance at a Catholic Day School
• Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance)