First Communion Information

Communion, or Eucharist, is first and foremost Christ drawing near to us in the grace of sacrament.  When we bring our children to the Mass, we affirm our desire for them to grow in faith as Catholics.  As they grow older, it is natural for our children to develop a deep and loving relationship with Jesus.   At the Eucharist, we remember the great love of God and Jesus’ saving grace; His life, death and resurrection, which brings us new life. We give thanks for the grace of the sacrament and the promise of full unity with God.  At Mass, we offer God gifts of bread and wine. God returns our gifts of bread and wine as Jesus.  The Eucharist is truly a remarkable and special gift from our Lord.

In order to participate in First Holy Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Chicago, a child over the age of 7 must first prepare for and receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This means that "First Communion" classes really incorporate two sacraments:  the healing sacrament of Reconciliation and the community sacrament of First Communion.  
For more information regarding what is expected in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, please vist the Reconciliation Information webpage.

Prior to this very important year, children over the age of 7 must have recieved a good year of general instruction in their Catholic faith.  A "good year" means the child attends class regularly and seems generally prepared to move forward into the sacramental year.  He or she should have good knowledge of basic prayers, such as the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and the Glory Be, as well as  regular attendance at Mass.

Children enrolled in Promise Grades 1 and 2 will receive the necessary sacramental preparation during their Children's Faith Formation sessions.

Children older than second grade are enrolled in 8 weeks of sacramental preparation sessions in the spring of their second year of CFF sessions in addition to CFF learning level sessions.  
After preparation children are assigned to a Mass to receive the sacrament. 

Use some of your time at home as a family to work on your child's banner together. If you do not a banner kit already at home, click here for instructions for making your own banner with craft supplies you may already find at home.

Check with the Faith Formation office in February to purchase and pickup a banner kit for $20.