First Holy Communion
"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.'"
John 6:35
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states:
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, according to the Catechism of the Catholic Church CCC# 1324
The Eucharist is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and "is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being." CCC# 1325
The celebration of the Eucharist is the most important activity we do. At Mass we are able to worship our Heavenly Father through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. We are united to Jesus in Holy Communion.
Sacramental Preparation
The sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is offered to Catholics who are at or above the ‘age of reason,’ usually second grade, or older. Our traditional children’s formation for these sacraments are in 2nd grade. Before receiving First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion second graders will be formed for a period of time in order to prepare for their reception of the sacraments. This is done through the combination of Faith Formation Class as well as guidance from parents at home, with resources provided by the parish. Attendance at special meetings and retreats is expected for parents and students. Notification of meetings is sent prior to these meetings. Baptismal certificates are requested and must be kept on file for sacramental verification.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION FOR THOSE OLDER THAN 2ND GRADE
Preparation for the sacrament of First Holy Communion is offered to adults through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults program (RCIA). Please contact the Parish Office/Missy to register for RCIA. For more information on the RCIA program here at Immaculate Conception click here. ***If a child enters our program in grades 3-9 who has not received First Communion or First Reconciliation, please notify our office/Sarah at the Parish Office 605-886-4049 or email youthff@icparishwatertown.org and we will arrange for preparation and reception of these sacraments on a case by case basis.
RESOURCES
If you want to learn more about the Eucharist consider viewing the series Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist by the Augustine Institute. This 3-part video series is available on FORMED.org, an online platform for world-class Catholic content. Please visit formed.org to register for a FREE account and view the Presence series. View the trailer for Presence.