How to Prepare Your Child to Receive First Communion

Prepare your child to receive his first Holy Communion.

Holy Communion is one of the sacraments of initiation in the Roman Catholic Church. It is usually received after the age of reason is attained, at about age seven or eight. Because this is such an important sacrament, you need to assist your child in preparing to receive her first Holy Communion, both by instruction and example.

Instructions

1. If you have not already done so, register as parishioners at the parish where you wish your child to receive Holy Communion, and begin to attend Mass there regularly. Your good example is very important as your child prepares to receive this sacrament.

2. Request your child's baptismal certificate from the parish where she was originally baptized. Children cannot receive the sacraments of reconciliation and Holy Communion without having proof of being baptized.

3. At the age of 7 or 8, enroll your child in the Holy Communion preparation class at your parish. These courses can consist of either one or two years of instruction, and end with the reception of the sacraments of reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. However, if your child attends a Catholic private or parochial school, these classes are often be part of the school's curriculum, and there is no need to take a parish class as well.

4. Depending on the parish, the parents may need to take preparation classes as well. These classes are designed to assist you in preparing your child, since the parents are the primary educators of their child in the Roman Catholic faith. In preparing your child for this sacrament, you should help your child to understand that he will be receiving the real presence of Jesus Christ.

5. Before your child receives her first Holy Communion, she will make her first confession (also known as the sacrament of reconciliation). This usually occurs a month or two before the reception of the Holy Eucharist. Help prepare your child for this sacrament through both instruction and example, by regularly receiving the sacrament of reconciliation yourselves.

6. Dress your child in the traditional attire of a first Holy Communion. For boys, it is a dark suit, and for girls, it is a white dress (with, optionally, a white veil and gloves). You can often find a greater selection of first Holy Communion outfits at online retailers.

7. Be sure to invite friends and family to attend this very important event. In most cases, your child will receive her first Holy Communion as part of Mass, with the rest of her Holy Communion class.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to designate a photographer to record this important event.

• Although there is often a joint reception held for the entire Holy Communion class, it is also appropriate to have a second, smaller party for your child at home.

References

• Catholic News Agency: Benedict XVI Affirms First Communion for Children at Age of Reason