First Holy Communion
The celebration of the Eucharistic sacrifice is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion. To receive communion is to receive Christ himself who has offered himself for us. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para.1382)
Our communities, when they celebrate the Eucharist, must become ever more conscious that the sacrifice of Christ is for all, and that the Eucharist thus compels all who believe in him to become "bread that is broken" for others and to work for the building a more just and fraternal world. (Sacrament of Charity, Pope Benedict XVI, para. 88)
By his Real Presence in the Eucharist Christ fulfils his promise to be with us "always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). In the Eucharist the Church both receives the gift of Jesus Christ and gives grateful thanks to God for such a blessing. This thanksgiving is the only proper response, for through this gift of himself in the celebration of the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine Christ gives us the gift of eternal life. (The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops)
Choose Your Child's First Eucharist Mass Here
First Eucharist FAQ
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Click on the questions below for answers to questions about First Eucharist +
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How will my child be prepared to receive the Eucharist for the first time? +
In addition to classroom catechesis, children preparing for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist participate in additional activities where they receive instruction and formation specifically for the Sacraments. Regardless of the program modality (Summer, Fall In-Person, Home Study), children will attend two special sessions to prepare for Reconciliation and two to prepare for Eucharist. The dates of these sessions vary from year-to-year, so please check the Religious Education Calendar to confirm when these sessions will take place.
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How is First Eucharist celebrated at St. Robert's? +
First Eucharist is celebrated at regular weekend Masses at St. Robert's. It is important that children receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for that first time--and their families--know that they are part of a community of faith that gathers in love, worship, and liturgy.
The community, too, benefits by having its faith renewed and supported by witnessing your child approaching the altar of God and becoming more fully a part of Christ's body--the Church.
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What are the dates of First Eucharist? +
Dates for the celebration of First Eucharist vary from year-to-year. Usually the celebrations will take place during the months of April and May and are determined by when Holy Week and Easter fall on the Liturgical calendar. Families of children preparing for the Sacrament will receive information about dates at an Parent meeting in the Fall. Please use the Religious Education Calendar confirm when the celebrations will occur.
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Is there a rehearsal before First Eucharist? +
Yes. Rehearsals are scheduled prior to each weekend on which First Eucharist celebrations take place. Rehearsal dates are communicated at the time First Eucharist dates are set. They will appear on the Religious Education calendar.
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What should my child wear when celebrating First Eucharist? +
Girls usually wear white/off-white dresses, although pastels are also acceptable. Boys usually wear a suit, although a sport jacket, shirt, tie and dress pants are acceptable.
Children are NOT allowed to wear sneakers, jeans, or athletic uniforms of any kind.
Girls may also wear veils and small crowns if desired. We ask that girls not wear gloves or carry handbags, bouquets, or any other item that might create a distraction, or interfere with their reception of Holy Eucharist in the hand. We ask that boys refrain from wearing boutonnieres or arm ribbons for the same reason.
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How many people may attend my child's First Eucharist Mass? +
Seating is limited to immediate family (parents, siblings, grandparents, Godparents) in the pew designated for each First Communicant. Other family members attending the Mass must sit among the regular congregation. There is no limit to the number of people who may attend other than the capacity of the Church to accommodate those who come.
We understand that not all guests will be Catholic or, if Catholic, participate regularly at Mass. Because our Parish celebrations of First Eucharist take place during regular weekend celebrations of the Liturgy, we ask that families of First Communicants remind their guests to be respectful of the sacred mysteries of the Mass and conduct themselves in a quiet, reverential manner.
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May we take photographs or videos during my child's First Eucharist Mass? +
Because the celebration of First Eucharist takes place during weekend Liturgy, we ask that families limit the taking of photographs and video to the time during Mass when the children receive the Eucharist. Areas on each side at the front of the Church will be designated for a single family member to take photographs/video. Once you have taken your images, please return to your seat so the next family may have the same opportunity.
Please do not take photographs of the children as you approach the altar to receive the Eucharist. This is a sacred time of prayerful preparation for you and we expect all who approach the altar to do so in a reverent and respectful manner.
Photographs may also be taken following Mass. We ask families to refrain from entering the sanctuary or standing next to the tabernacle. Please use only the steps in front of each for photographs.
Each year, St. Robert's arranges for a professional photographer to be available for formal, posed individual and family photographs. Information about this arrangement will be made available to families. Families who opt for formal photographs schedule their time for posing directly with the photographer.
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