First Holy Communion
And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise, the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood."~ Matthew 26:26-28 ~
Catechism of the Catholic Church
1212
The sacraments of Christian initiation — Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.
As Catholics, we believe that going to Mass and receiving Holy Communion is one of the holiest and most important events in our life. We believe that Jesus Christ is truly present – body, blood, soul and divinity – in the Eucharist.
More precious than silver, more costly than gold, more beautiful than diamonds, receiving Holy Communion is a beautiful, personal and intimate moment in our life, and it should never be taken for granted.
On the night before He died for our salvation, Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it, and gave it to his disciples saying, “Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body which will be given up for you.” In a similar way, when supper was ended, He took the chalice and, once more giving thanks, gave it to his disciples, saying: “Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of Me.” (1 Cor 11:23-25)
Furthermore, St John records these words of Jesus, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink.” (John 6:54-55).
Catholics treasure the privilege of receiving Jesus’ Body and Blood in Holy Communion so that He can live in us and we can live in Him.
On the day of a child’s First Holy Communion, by receiving the Eucharist they are profoundly united with Jesus in a way that they have never been before.
It is such a holy and joyful event – girls often wear white dresses and boys wear suits; relatives are invited and a celebration often follows.
It is unfortunate that for many Catholics, First Holy Communion has become merely a rite of passage, and the glorious splendour and personal intimacy with Jesus is sometimes forgotten.
First Holy Communions at Our Lady of Compassion
When a child reaches the age of seven or eight (in primary school year 3), he/she may begin a careful preparation to receive the Body of Christ (a.k.a. the Eucharist or Holy Communion) with faith and devotion. If you would like to celebrate your child’s First Holy Communion with us, he/she will need to attend our preparation programme which normally begins in September and ends in late spring; it is important that he/she attends each session.
Your child needs to have been baptised or received into the Catholic Church before he/she can participate in our preparation programme.
Our First Holy Communion application can be downloaded via the button above (top of page). Once completed, please return it to our Parish Office by the date specified.
For more information, or should you have any questions, please contact us.
May the Lord bless you and give you peace!