Steps of a First Holy Communion
Catholism makes use of seven holy sacraments: baptism, eucharist, reconciliation, confirmation, marriage, holy orders and last rites. Eucharist, more commonly known as Holy Communion, refers to a person becoming one with Christ via his blood and body. Though Holy Communion is most commonly performed by Catholics, some other sects of Christianity also perform the ceremony. In most faiths, you must be baptized before undergoing the sacrament of the Eucharist.
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Instructions
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Register for the First Communion ceremony at your local Catholic church. Some churches do not require registration and allow anyone to participate in the First Communion ceremony. Typically, this ceremony occurs on a Sunday, during mass.
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Confess your sins to a priest, about a week before your Holy Communion. Enter the confession booth and tell the priest all of your sins. Often, this is your first confession and many take some time. This consists of the first part of the sacrament of penance.
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Perform the penance, as instructed by the priest. For example, if the priest instructed you to say five Hail Marys, perform the Hail Mary five times. This consists of the second part of the sacrament of penance.
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Fast for at least one hour before the Holy Communion.
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Attend the Sunday mass. You may wish to wear a first Communion dress or suit. Though a tradition, it is not a requirement.
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Kneel before the priest. Allow the priest to perform his blessing, typically recited in Latin, to turn the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ. Open your mouth and stick out your tongue slightly. Allow the priest to place the body and blood of Christ into your mouth.
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Tips & Warnings
If you commit any sins between your confession and mass, you must perform another confession before undergoing communion.
Typically, children undergo communion between the ages of 6 and 13.
References
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