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Holy Family Catholic Church

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

First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

At about age 7, children should begin to prepare to receive First Holy Communion, the body and blood of Christ, for the first time. Preparation for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year process, some cases differ, which includes preparation for First Reconciliation (Confession) and culminates in the First Holy Communion celebration. FF1 refers to first year of formation (Church doctrine/Apostles Creed) and FF2 refers to second year of formation (sacramental preparation), regardless of the age so long as they are already baptized which is a requirement in order to enter into this formation program. 

2020-2021 Click Here for Registration  

Cost: $50 (Click here to Pay) 

*More than one child in formation, please wait to pay until an office staff member tells you the cost.

Start Date: Pending distribution of materials due to a mandate order to close Parish Offices. When we are ready we will email you and announce it via the website, bulletin and Masses. Thank you for your patience.

End Date: 08/2021  

Method: Packages/book with weekly 'optional' videos to help understand the objectives of the week. 

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
 REQUIREMENTS

❖ Must be a registered member of Holy Family Catholic Church
❖ Must have received the Sacrament of Baptism. 
❖ Individuals seeking First Holy Communion must present proof of Baptism in the Catholic Church.
     (Canon Law 842 – A person who has not received Baptism cannot validly be admitted to the other sacraments.)
❖ Candidate must be currently enrolled in at least 2nd grade.
❖ All candidates for First Holy Communion must fully participate by completing each week’s packet and for virtual Zoom Meetings when assigned to meet. May not miss more than 2 lessons or weeks’ worth of formation.
❖ Per Diocesan guidelines, all candidates must participate in a retreat experience as part of their sacramental preparation.
❖ Candidates (children) and parents must attend/be present for any/all Zoom sessions. This is to upkeep online video conferencing safety regulation for our youth.
❖ The parish will conduct scheduled Zoom conferences of both the candidate and his/her parents, which will insure the candidate's process. These meetings will also assess the candidate’s participation in the sacramental life of the Church, especially regular attendance at Sunday Mass/reception of Holy Communion, and basic formation in the Gospel as evidenced through knowledge of the Catholic faith and desire for ongoing conversion.
❖ Once First Holy Communion is received, students are required to attend Mystagogy classes/sessions after in order to recieve their certificates. Here they will reflect on their journey and walk after to continue growth in their faith. This is where they will receive their First Holy Communion Certificate.

**A student must attend at least 80% of the scheduled classes**

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.