First Holy Communion

 Eucharist

Eucharist comes from the Greek eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. Ever since Pentecost, when the Church—the People of God—began building a church, they were sustained with spiritual food in times of trials and celebrations. Eucharist is that food, the real presence of the risen Lord. The Second Vatican Council, in its Constitution on the Church, rightly proclaimed that the eucharistic sacrifice is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity,” write the bishops. They remind us of the words of Jesus in John’s Gospel: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56).

The First Eucharist for our children also has meaning for the whole community. We smile at the children in their first Communion finery-not just because they look cute, but because they are joining us at our family table: the table of God’s family.

First Eucharist 
A toddler’s move from high chair to the family table is a momentous event. A seat at the table acclaims a new status: big boy or big girl. The move to the table brings new privileges. There, a child can share fully in the family meal, and in the table conversation. The move also brings new responsibilities. The little one must have table manners, get involved in the meal prayer, and perhaps help set or clear the table.

First Communion is just such a momentous experience. A child, baptized as an infant into the family of God we call Church, at last takes a place at the Lord’s table with the grownups. Grandparents, aunts and friends join the youngster’s immediate family in celebrating the event.

First Eucharist for children in the Epiphany School
Children who attend the Epiphany School prepare for first Eucharist during through the first and second grade religion curriculum. First Eucharist is celebrated in May.

First Eucharist for children in Epiphany’s Religious Education Program
Children who attend Epiphany’s Religious Education program prepare for two years. Classes are held once a week on Wednesday afternoons. First Eucharist is celebrated in May.

Celebrations at Sunday Eucharist
To celebrate their new place at the Table, the children are encouraged to attend the 10:00 a.m. Mass, the Sunday following first Eucharist,  dressed in their first Eucharist dresses and suits. Just before the Eucharist Prayer the priest presider invites all the children to join him around the altar. They are to be celebrated at this special moment.

For more information, CONTACT Debbie Keogh epiphanydre@gmail.com