First Holy Communion

Welcome to your child’s First Holy Eucharist!  This is the highlight of our 2nd Grade Sacramental Preparation year.  We wait, and we wait, and we prepare all year long to finally receive the body and blood of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Preparation for First Holy Communion continues right after children receive the Sacrament of First Reconciliation and continues until we reach that special day.  Just as our reconciliation program including engaging activities designed to understand and strengthen our Catholic faith, so too does this preparation.  Our Spirit of Truth curriculum will lead your students to understand the Eucharist, and why it I the source and summit of our Faith.  Children will explore the Old Testament roots of the Eucharist, Christ institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper, the Pascal Mystery, the celebration of Holy Mass, transubstantiation, the effects of receiving Communion and the tradition of Adoration.  
Also included are practical teachings to prepare for receiving the Eucharist.  Children will have opportunities to tour the church, learn about the vessels used, the purification of vessels, taste the unconsecrated host and wine and talk with Fr. John and Fr. Josh about the parts of the Mass – all designed to help children connect with the Mass and specifically the Eucharistic Liturgy.  

How old does my child need to be in order to participate?  Generally they are in the Second Grade, but anyone 8 and older may receive the Sacrament at St. Andrew.

Are there any pre-requisites required in order to receive Holy Communion?  Yes, your child MUST be baptized. We will need a certified copy of the baptismal certificate from the church. We cannot accept the souvenir copy - it must have a raised seal. You will need to contact the church of baptism and have them mail, fax, or hand you an original hard copy of the document.

Do I have to attend parent meetings? Yes, a Church Tour & Parent Meeting for all students and families in our Sacramental Preparation Program will be held Sunday, March 8 from 9:50-11:20 am in the Sanctuary.

What is the date for First Communion this year?  Saturday, May 2 and Sunday, May 3, 2026.  Parents will select the Mass of preference and children will receive First Holy Communion along with our St. Andrew Parish family.