"Communion is the greatest symbol of God’s union with man. First Communion occurs after Baptism, when the child is of age to understand the importance of this Sacrament and what it represents. This Christian ritual is extremely important on the journey of faith.
First Communion is one of the three Sacraments of Christian initiation. It refers to the day on which the child receives the Eucharist, or the living presence of Christ in bread and wine. Until the Middle Ages, first Communion was held on the same day as the Baptism. Today, it has a ceremony of its own, allowing the communicant to substantiate their faith. It is one of the most important occasions in a Catholic’s life.
Children traditionally receive their first Communion between the ages of eight and ten, after taking a few years of Catechism classes. Adults receive the Eucharist just after Baptism and Confirmation.
They must be baptised and have followed several years of Catechism classes to learn about Jesus’ life and the principal rituals of Mass. The decision to receive first Communion is a personal one. It implies a few months’ advance preparation with the bishop. During that time, the church leaders offer a retreat workshop to raise awareness of the importance and consequences of this act in everyday life.
First Communion takes place in the springtime, around the time of Easter celebrations. The future communicants walk in procession at the Sunday Mass and sit in the front rows of the church. On that day, the officiant dedicates his sermon to the children who are preparing to receive Communion. The Eucharist occurs at the end of the Mass, and the children receive the Body of Christ. They leave in procession behind the priest at the end of the Mass. First Communion is generally followed by a celebratory meal honouring the new communicant, surrounded by their godparents and loved ones.
The present should commemorate the religious significance of this day and also make reference to the Baptism. Examples include a cross or symbolic medal, a Bible or other spiritual book, a Catholic icon, or a small statue of the saint for whom the child is named…
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