First Communion/Primera Comunión
As they were eating, Jesus took bread and asked God’s blessing on it, and broke it in pieces and gave it to them and said, “Eat it – this is my body.” Then he took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it and gave it to them; and they all drank from it. And he said to them, “This is my blood, poured out for many, sealing the new agreement between God and man.” -Mark 14: 23-24
Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. -John 6:54
The First Holy Communion is the reception of the Eucharist, the consecrated bread and wine, which are changed through transubstantiation — the change whereby the bread and the wine used in the sacrament become, not merely as by a sign or a figure, 'but also in actual reality' the Body and Blood of Christ. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving First Holy Communion for the first time." (CCC 1457)
(For Reconciliation)
- Has been baptized
- Has reached the age of reason (minimum 7 years old) and comprehends*
- Can distinguish between right and wrong
- Can distinguish between mistakes and accidents (venial and moral sins)
- Is able to express sorrow for sin
- Has the ability to forgive others
- Prays at home and at Mass
- Is able to relate to Jesus as one who forgives
(For First Holy Communion)
- Has been baptized
- Has reached the age of reason (minimum 7 years old) and comprehends*
- Fully desires, wants and is prepared to receive the sacrament
- Feels/knows like they belong to the Catholic community/family
- Participates in Sunday Mass (participating 'fully' knowing all prayers & responses)
- Prays at home and at Mass
- Has the ability to relate to Jesus as one who loves
- Knows what transubstantiation is
- Has prepared for and received the Sacrament of Reconciliation
First Holy Communion for Adults
Also, there are adults who have not received their First Communion. I.e. There are, for instance, some who received the sacrament of baptism and confirmation but never their First Holy Communion. There is opportunity for them to do so in order to be "fully" initiated into the Catholic Church. For more information please see the RCIA page.