Reasons for a First Communion in the Catholic Religion

First Holy Communion is regarded as one of the most important Sacraments of the Catholic faith.

Catholics celebrate the Sacrament of First Holy Communion for children around the age of 7 or 8. This is one of the Sacraments of Initiation by which children become more closely initiated with Christ and with the community of the faithful by partaking in the Holy Eucharist. Before the celebration of First Holy Communion, children must prepare through catechist instruction.

To Honor Tradition

The Sacrament of First Holy Communion celebrates the tradition of the Last Supper. Catholics, following the example of the disciples, join around the table of Christ to partake in what the Church professes to be the spiritual body and blood of Christ. First Communion is a "coming together" for members of the Church community. All are invited to convene at the Lord's Table through the Eucharist.

To Instruct Children on the Doctrine of Transubstantiation

The Sacrament of the Eucharist distinguishes Catholicism from other Christian religions because Catholics are the only Christians that believe in the presence of Christ in the host and in the wine---other Christian denominations declare that the host and the wine are merely symbolic of Christ. In the year leading up to their First Holy Communion, children prepare through prayer and catechist instruction. They learn the Church Doctrine of Transubstantiation, which denotes the process by which the priest, through the power of the Holy Spirit, transforms the host into the Body of Christ and the wine into the Blood of Christ.

To Invite Children to the Community of the Faithful

First Holy Communion is not without a social function because it initiates a child around the critical age of 7 or 8 to become a formal member of a group within which all the individuals hold similar beliefs and values. First Holy Communion marks a child's first step of entry in to the Church community. It is expected that the child will hitherto adhere to the rules and traditions of the Church. Following a child's celebration of First Holy Communiion, he or she is obligated to attend mass weekly and to participate in the Sacrament of Penance once a year.

To Invite Children to Draw Closer to Christ

Holy Communion is a Sacrament of Initiation. Thus, Catholics believe, through celebration of this sacrament, individuals are more closely initiated with Jesus and with the community of believers. By eating his Body and drinking his Blood, individuals accept Jesus into their bodies, their hearts and their souls. Holy Communion is highly regarded as one of the most important Sacraments because it physically and spiritually conjoins one with Christ.

References

• New Advent: Communion of Children
• Fish Eaters: Holy Communion