Eucharist is the “source and summit” of our Christian life. Through the Eucharist we are more intimately bound to Christ and His Church. It is the second of the three Sacraments of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation. These rites “closely combine to bring us, the faithful of Christ, to his full stature and to enable us to carry out the mission of the entire people of God in the Church and in the world” (General Introduction, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, 2).

 

The Sacrament of Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, is celebrated with children aged 7 and up. A child must have already received the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to receiving the Eucharist. Preparation classes begin in January and culminate in the reception of First Eucharist during a weekend Mass at the home parish of the family. Dates for this parish celebration change each year.

 

During the preparation, children and their parents get a better understanding of the Mass by completing a Mass Book tailored to the Liturgical cycle.  Children will be looking for the liturgical colors, learning a liturgical response and answering questions concerning the Scriptures. Using the Bible as our textbook, the families complete packets of materials focused on the sacramental themes and geared to their age level. Registration materials are automatically sent to all children registered in elementary Religious Education and St. Thomas Aquinas Academy. Families with a child attending another Catholic school or are home schooled should contact the SECatholic office for information.