Saints LightWhat Is First Holy Communion?
At First Holy Communion we receive Jesus Himself for the first time, after getting our hearts ready, and He makes our friendship with Him grow.
Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The first time you receive the Eucharist is called your First Holy Communion. It is one of the biggest days of your life, because Jesus Himself comes to live in you (CCC 1244, 1322).
Communion means being one with someone. When we receive Jesus, He unites us closely to Himself and makes our friendship with Him grow (CCC 1391). He also joins us with everyone else who receives Him, so we become more and more one family.
Jesus said He is the bread of life. Just as food makes our bodies strong, Holy Communion makes our souls strong. It helps us love more and makes it easier to say no to sin.
We get ready for this gift with care. Before First Communion, children make their First Confession, so their hearts are clean and ready. We also fast for one hour before Communion, with nothing to eat or drink except water or medicine, so our hearts are hungry for Jesus. We dress in our best and come with joy (CCC 1385, 1387).
When it is your turn, you walk up with your hands folded. The priest or minister holds up the Host and says: The Body of Christ. You answer Amen, which means yes, I believe! You may receive on your tongue or in your hands, with one hand resting on the other like a little throne. Then you go back to your place and talk to Jesus in your heart. He is right there with you.
Key points
- In Holy Communion, Jesus Himself comes to live in us.
- We prepare with Confession, a one hour fast and a joyful heart.
- We answer Amen: yes, I believe!
The Word of God
I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Catechism paragraphs for this lesson
- CCC 1244
- CCC 1322
- CCC 1385
- CCC 1387
- CCC 1391
CCC means the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Saints Light teaches it in its own words and never quotes it. Look up any paragraph in a printed copy or at vatican.va. See every lesson by paragraph in the Catechism index.
Live it this week
At Mass this week, watch how people walk up to receive Communion. If you have not made your First Communion yet, make a spiritual communion: tell Jesus in your heart, I love You, please come into my heart. If you have, spend one quiet minute after Communion just talking to Him.
Check yourself: three questions
1. What do we receive in Holy Communion?
- Blessed bread that only reminds us of Jesus
- A prize for being good
- Jesus Himself, His Body and Blood
- A snack before the end of Mass
Show the answer
Jesus Himself, His Body and Blood. The Host looks like bread, but it is truly Jesus.
2. What do we answer when we hear "The Body of Christ"?
- Amen
- Thank you
- Okay
- Goodbye
Show the answer
Amen. Amen means yes, I believe this is truly Jesus.
3. How long do we fast before Communion?
- All day
- Ten minutes
- Until noon
- One hour
Show the answer
One hour. We fast for one hour, with only water or medicine, so our hearts are hungry for Jesus.
For catechists: a one hour class plan
Goal. The children will know that in Holy Communion they receive Jesus Himself, will know how to prepare and receive with reverence, and will look forward to it with joy.
Opener. Ask: "If Jesus were coming to your house tomorrow, how would you get ready?" Let them list ideas. Then: "In Holy Communion, Jesus comes into you! How should we get ready for that?"
Discussion questions
- What is the difference between the Host and ordinary bread? [It looks the same, but the Host is truly Jesus.]
- Why do we go to Confession before First Communion? [To have clean hearts ready to welcome Jesus.]
- Why do we fast for an hour? [To make our hearts hungry for Jesus and to show Him respect.]
- What could you say to Jesus after Communion? [Thank You, I love You, help me, help my family. Any words from the heart.]
Activity. Practice receiving: using unconsecrated practice hosts (ask your parish) or paper circles, children practice walking up reverently, bowing, making a throne with their hands or receiving on the tongue, answering Amen, and returning to pray. Then each child makes a First Communion prayer card with a drawing of a chalice and Host and a short prayer of their own to say after Communion.
Closing prayer. Jesus, bread of life, we are so glad You want to come to us. Get our hearts ready to welcome You. Until then, please come into our hearts in a spiritual way. We love You. Amen.
Timing. Welcome and Sign of the Cross 5 min, getting ready opener 5 min, read the lesson aloud 10 min, discussion 10 min, practice receiving and prayer cards 15 min, memory verse 5 min, quiz together 5 min, closing prayer 5 min.
Related lessons
- How Do I Receive Communion? (The Mass)
- Before Mass: What Should I Do (and Not Do)? (The Mass)
- What Will Happen at the Easter Vigil? (Becoming Catholic, free)
- What Happens in the Rite of Baptism, Step by Step? (Baptism, free)
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