First Communion

Contact

Pastoral Assistant for Children and Family Ministry
425-483-9400 x2648
childfamilyministry@saintbrendan.org

Process

Children who are receiving First Communion at St. Brendan must have one year of faith formation prior to the year in which they are prepared for the Sacrament.  This may be accomplished through registering for the Disciples Club Wednesday evening faith formation program, or through attending a Catholic school the year prior to the preparation.

Schedule

The Faith formation Program for preparation for First Holy Communion, will begin the first week of November this year.

Background

The Eucharist is the most special sacrament, in which Christ himself is contained, offered and received, and by which the Church constantly lives and grows. The Eucharistic sacrifice, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated over the centuries, is the summit and source of all Christian life and worship; it signifies and affects the unity of the people of God and achieves the building up of the Body of Christ.

As children reach the age of reason, generally around age seven, the Church extends to them an invitation to celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is the sacrament by which Catholics receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. For Catholics, this is the most treasured gift given to the Church by the Lord at the Last Supper. In receiving the Eucharist, we are nourished by the Lord. The bread and wine used in the Mass are transformed in all but appearance into the Body and Blood of Christ.

Resources

Eucharist basic questions and answers from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a child prepare for First Communion at St. Brendan?
First, be a faithful participant in children’s faith formation—either through St. Brendan School or through our 5 years of Faith Formation in Disciples Club. With one year of faith formation behind them, your child will be ready to continue their journey of formation and participate in the classes for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist.
What Catholic prayers are the most important to learn, and can children learn their prayers in Spanish?
The most important prayers to learn are Our Father, Hail Mary, and the Act of Contrition. The child may learn these prayers in the language spoken at home.
When does St. Brendan celebrate First Communion?
We usually celebrate at the Sunday Masses one week after Mother’s Day in May.
What is the role of godparents in First Communion?
The child’s godparents from baptism have been praying for the child and sharing small gifts to aid in the child’s faith formation. That means that they are very important to the family at the time of first communion, and it is wonderful if they can be present. In the Hispanic culture, the godparent makes every effort to attend the First Communion Mass and sits beside the child.