 Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. It is during First Holy Communion that we receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar. For us as Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass. We extend a special greeting to you if you are trying to find out more about First Holy Communion for yourself or your child.
If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received First Holy Communion, please check out The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). There you will find good information on what that process is and also contact information for the person who can tell you more about it.
If you are visiting our site because your child is approaching second grade, or a little older; and you want to know the process for your child to receive First Holy Communion, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith.
Now, you want to know what is necessary for your child to receive First Holy Communion. Below are some frequently asked questions to get you started. If your question or situation does not fit neatly into these answers, don’t panic. Life happens! Please call the Religious Education office at (419) 621-7456 or email Mrs. Debbie Geason, Catechetical Leader, with your questions.
At a minimum, your child must:
• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another
Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church.
Basically, they must have been baptized with water and “in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Spirit.”
• Have received at least one year of religious
education instruction before second grade. Enrollment in Sandusky
Central Catholic School in second grade, or enrollment
in our Parish School of Religion in level
two is the norm. If your child is older than second grade,
we may require completion of the Rite of Christian
Initiation of Children (RCIC) . RCIC is a comprehensive
program of instruction that can “catch up” your
child’s religious instruction when years were missed.
Contact Mrs. Debbie Geason , our Catechetical Leader, if that is the case.
• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation .
Instruction for this sacrament will take place at the same
time as instruction for First Holy Communion at SCCS, PSR,
or RCIC. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
will take place a few weeks before First Holy Communion.
The instruction for First Holy Communion typically
takes place during a school year schedule for both the
Catholic school and public school children in second grade.
Instruction takes place during the school day at Sandusky
Central Catholic School. Children attending level two of
our Parish School of Religion receive instruction during
their weekly class time. Older children receiving their
instruction in RCIC will follow a school year schedule
also.
First Holy Communion for second graders
is usually scheduled in early May. Please see your schedule
received in class for the exact date.
If you remember, at your child’s Baptism, you as
parents reaffirmed your belief in the Catholic Church and
promised to raise your child in the Catholic faith. This
is what the Church calls our “founded hope” that
your child will be raised in the Catholic faith. Today,
if this “founded hope” is in jeopardy because
your faith as a parent has changed and you no longer believe
in the Catholic Church, or you attend another Christian
church, or for whatever reason you are not willing to ensure
that your child will have opportunities to learn the faith
and attend Sunday Mass, there may be reason to delay First
Holy Communion. These are serious issues and will need
the pastor’s determination to proceed. If any of
this describes your belief or practice today, please contact
a priest or deacon early to discuss your particular situation.
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