The first communion is a sacramental ritual of the Catholic Church, through which a person, usually a minor, participates for the first time in the Sacrament of the Eucharist receiving Communion (receiving the body and blood of Jesus Christ), being a requirement to have obtained before the sacrament of the Baptism and the one of the Penance or Confession.
Sacrament of the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, instituted by himself to perpetuate in the times to come, until his second coming, the sacrifice of the Cross.
The First Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Church, and one of the four sacraments of initiation into the Christian life together with baptism, penance and confirmation. Through the first communion, it is possible to take for the first time the host and the wine, which for those who profess, is not a symbol, but is the Body and Blood of Christ. The real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in bread and wine is what is called Transubstantiation.
This sacrament was instituted by Jesus during the Last Supper, who in the company of his twelve disciples took the bread and said:
“Take this, all of you, and eat of it: for this is my body which will be given up for you.”
then he took the wine and said:
“Take this, all of you, and drink from it: for this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”
This sends us to celebrate in his memory until he returns, in other words it is the life of the church until his second coming. That is why he reaffirms when he says: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh.”
In general, this sacrament is performed when you are still a child, around 8 or 11 years of age, being necessary to have made two previous sacraments, baptism and confession. The latter is also performed for the first time a short time before receiving the first communion.
In the Eucharist of the first communion, the renewal of the promises of Baptism is usually done so that the children will become aware of the greatness, and the grace received.
Before this sacrament there is a necessary previous preparation so that the children have the fundamental elements to understand the magnitude of the sacrament that they will receive. This preparation is given to children by trained people who are not priests or nuns, but are faithful of the community that come into contact with children in a closer way, including them in the daily life of their community.
The First Communion is one of the seven sacraments of the Catholic Church, and one of the three sacraments of initiation into the Christian life together with baptism and confirmation. Through the first communion, after a certain preparation called catechesis, in which the catechism is studied, it is possible to take for the first time the host and the wine, which for those who profess this religion, does not symbolize, but is the Body and Blood of Christ. The real presence of the Body and Blood of Christ in bread and wine is what in the Catholic Church is called Transubstantiation.
This sacrament was instituted by Jesus during the last supper, who in the company of his disciples took bread and wine and said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.”
Catechesis is configured as the preparation course that needs to be followed in order to have the knowledge and openness of heart that are necessary to receive the first Eucharist. This preparation is given to the children by trained people who are not priests or religious, but are faithful of the community that come into contact with the children in a closer way, including them in the daily life of their community. In general, the preparation lasts about one year.
1. What is First Communion?
It is a Catholic rite that celebrates the first time that a person participates in the sacrament of the Eucharist: he receives the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The first communion usually takes place from the age of 7, however, it can be received at any age as long as the faithful is baptized. It is part of the three sacraments called of Christian initiation (baptism, eucharist and confirmation)
2. What is needed to receive First Communion?
- The child has to be baptized
- He must prepare for this sacrament by going to a course called catechesis, in which he will be taught the main precepts of the Catholic Church
- Before receiving the Body of Christ, the child has to confess his sins before a priest
3. How old can you receive the First Communion?
In Spain it is usually received at 9 years old. The Catholic Church recommends that children receive it when they have sufficient knowledge, that is, when they have the use of reason (usually at 7 years old). They must also receive careful preparation (which lasts 2 years) so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their ability and can receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion.
4. What requirements are needed to receive First Communion?
First, it is necessary to be baptized. If this is not the case, a special formation plan will be included, in dialogue with the parish priest, to help him also understand this sacrament and all that it implies. Having received sufficient religious instruction to enable the child to understand the meaning of the Eucharist in his personal and community life.
5. What is the purpose of First Communion?
Communion for the first time involves integrating the child into the adult Christian life. It coincides with a change of stage in the process of human maturation. The child is already aware of himself and begins to develop a certain critical sense. He still needs the continued presence of parents, but he is already able to make some decisions for himself. Until now, parents have been able to bring their son to church without him understanding very well what the Eucharist means. First Communion prepares you to participate actively! in it, celebrating it every Sunday and becoming part of a group or parish movement that helps him to live the faith with joy and hope.
6. What is the origin of First Communion?
The Eucharist has its origin in the Last Supper that Jesus celebrated with his disciples. In it, Jesus pronounced an oracle of thanksgiving, broke the bread, and gave it to eat to his disciples along with the wine, saying that this bread was his own body, and his own blood. And he charged them that each time they repeated this gesture they did so in memory of Him, because He is present in the Bread and Wine thus consecrated. Until the fourth century, approximately, the Eucharist was received for the first time when the adult was baptized. Then, for various reasons, one sacrament was separated from the other. Currently it is intended to be part of the entire process of initiation into the Christian faith and be a chance for the family, the main educator of the child, to review and update their Christian commitment.>/p>
REQUIREMENTS
1. Stop by the Parish Office (Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) to fill out the First Communion Application Form.
2. Bring the Faith of Baptism at the time of submitting the application.
The materials needed are two (2) pencils (preferably yellow # 2), color pencils or crayons, glue and scissors, all properly identified. We recommend that you identify a small backpack type package to place the materials, so that the child will find it easier to keep their materials organized.
INFORMATION
Secretary: Margarita Reyes (787) 752-2410
Catechist: Zahíra García
Catechist: Ivagnia Miray
(To be able to print the application you must have Adobe Reader installed)....DOWNLOAD HERE
