First Communion preparation happens in 2nd Grade* through Youth Faith Formation or through SMG School if the children are enrolled there.
A copy of a Baptismal Certificate is required before additional Sacraments can be conferred on an individual.
*First Communion preparation for Catholic children 3rd Grade and above may require Special Sacramental Prep (SSP). Unbaptized children, and those baptized in other Christian faith traditions who are intending to convert to the Catholic faith, may require the Rite of Chistrian Initiation for Children (RCIC). Both of these programs are available by enrolling in our Youth Faith Formation program. For Registration info, click: HERE.
*For First Communion of adults 18 years of age and older, learn more about RCIA HERE.
The 'Sacrament of Communion' is "the source and summit of the Christian life." It is another step into full initiation of the Catholic Church. Participating in the Eucharist unites us most fully with the Holy Trinity -- God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit -- and with one another. We join with Christ and the community of believers in giving thanks and praise to God the Father.
The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ's Passover. It is thanksgiving and praise to God the Father. It is the sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body. It is the presence of Christ by the power of His word and of His spirit.
This is our Catholic faith. We believe that the bread and wine, offered at Mass, truly become for us the Body and Blood of Christ.
Sacrament has various titles
EUCHARIST: because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek word eucharistein recalls the Jewish blessings that proclaim God's works: Creation, Redemption, and Sanctification.
THE LORD'S SUPPER: because of its connection with the supper which the Lord took with his disciples on the eve of his Passion and because it anticipates the wedding feast of the Lamb in the heavenly Jerusalem.
THE BREAKING OF BREAD: because Jesus used this rite, part of a Jewish meal, when as master of the table he blessed and distributed the bread (Mt 14), above all at the Last Supper. It is by this action that his disciples will recognize him after his Resurrection (Lk 24:13-35).
THE EUCHARISTIC ASSEMBLY: because the Eucharist is celebrated amid the assembly of the faithful, the visible expression of the church. As St. Augustine would say, "Become what you receive. Receive what you are."
THE HOLY SACRIFICE: because it makes present the one true sacrifice of Christ the Savior, on the cross, and includes the Church's offering. Also referred to as the Unbloody Sacrifice of the Altar.
HOLY COMMUNION: because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in His Body and Blood to form a single body. (I Cor 10:16-17).
In order to receive Communion at a Catholic Mass, you must be Catholic, and have gone to Confession before receiving if you have been skipping Mass or are aware of any serious sin that you haven't confessed.