•      First Holy Communion is considered one of the holiest and most important occasions in a Roman Catholic person’s life. It is the first time he or she receives the Holy Eucharist, which is the eating of consecrated bread and drinking of consecrated wine. The administration of the Holy Eucharist to children requires that they have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion. Therefore, most Catholic children receive their First Holy Communion when they are 7 or 8 years old.
      Older people can receive communion for the first time when they have met all of the Catholic Church’s requirements. If you are an adult, 18 years or older, who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic and have never received First Holy Communion, please refer to The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA).  For further information contact the parish office.
   
  WHAT IS NECESSARY FOR MY CHILD TO RECEIVE FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

  • Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. 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 the Sacrament of Reconciliation. At North American Martyrs Parish, Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place before First Holy Communion.
  •  You must be a registered parishioner of  North American Martyrs Parish to enroll your child/children into our religious ed program.  Join North American Martyrs Parish 

  WHEN DOES THE INSTRUCTION OF THE CHILDREN BEGIN
     The instruction for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion takes place beginning in September for public school children in second grade. Parents, with help from the Director of Religious Education, prepare their child for First Holy Communion. Children attending Catholic schools must enroll for religious ed during a sacramental year but are not required to attend all classes.  
  
  WHEN DOES FIRST HOLY COMMUNION TAKE PLACE
      First Holy Communion for children traditionally takes place during April.   For more information, please contact the parish office.