The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

Pastoral Manual

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, the Lord’s own sacrifice. In the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church namely, Christ himself. It is communion in the divine life. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship offered to Christ. It is the sum and summary of our faith. Eucharist completes the Christian Initiation.

The liturgical action of Eucharist is also traditionally known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. It is central to our Christian faith. Holy Communion has a complete form as a sign when it is received under both species of bread and wine.

Catholics are encouraged to receive the Holy Eucharist regularly.

First Holy Communion Preparation

For the baptized Catholic child who:

1) Has reached the age of reason (six or seven years old in August of 2020); and,  

2) is sufficiently catechized to partake in the sacrament of Reconciliation prior to entering Eucharist preparation; and,

3) after having attended parish Eucharist preparation classes, the child expresses a readiness to receive the sacrament. 

Such a child will be recommended to the Cathedral rector for their First Holy Communion in Spring.

Requirements

• Parents must provide proof that the child was baptized in the Catholic Church
• The child must attend a preparation program provided at the parish
• Parents are the primary educators of children in the Catholic faith and should take an active part in First Communion preparation
• The child will also be prepared to receive First Reconciliation

DRESS CODE FOR FIRST COMMUNION

The celebration of First Holy Eucharist is a very exciting time for the whole family. Appropriate attire for First Communion is simple and age appropriate. The attire should not distract from the focus of receiving the Sacrament. Please use the following guidelines when choosing your child’s attire.

First Holy Communion Attire

La celebración de la Primera Sagrada Eucaristía es un momento muy emocionante para toda la familia. La vestimenta apropiada para la Primera Comunión es simple y apropiada para su edad. El atuendo no debe distraer el enfoque de recibir el Sacramento. Utilice las siguientes pautas cuando elija el atuendo de su hijo.

MUCHACHOS

• Camisa: Sólo blanco, camisa de vestir con botones completos, manga larga o corta. No camisas estilo polo por favor.
• Pantalones: Pantalón de vestir azul marino o negro con cinturón apropiado.
• Corbata: Requerida y adecuada para la ocasión. Sólido, raya u otra impresión sutil por favor.
• Zapatos: zapatos de vestir de color oscuro con calcetines oscuros. No zapatos deportivos ni botas.
• Las chaquetas de vestir son bienvenidas pero opcionales.

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NINAS

• Vestidos: Blanco, por debajo de la rodilla en longitud. No hay longitud de tobillo por favor. Los hombros deben estar cubiertos. No hay correas de espagueti.
• Zapatos y calcetines: blancos, zapatos de tacón bajo. No hay tacones altos. Zapatos de punta abierta están bien. Calcetines blancos, medias o medias de color nude.
• Velo: Longitud del hombro blanco puro con un cabezal sencillo. No grandes tiaras ni tocados de novia.
• Guantes: los guantes blancos son opcionales, pero deben quitarse antes de entrar en la línea de Comunión.

Estos requisitos no tienen la intención de ofender,
pero son necesarios para evitar excesos y asegurar que todos sean apropiados
para esta ocasión especial.