First Eucharist
FIRST COMMUNION
The sacrament of the Eucharist is part of Christian initiation. Through Eucharistic communion, those whowere saved in Christ by baptism and more deeply configured to Him by confirmationparticipate with the entire community in the Lord's sacrifice (cf. CIC,1332; PO 5b).
The most holy sacrament of the Eucharist contains
truly, really and substantially the Body and Blood, together with the soul and
divinity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, that is, the whole Christ.
In order to receive the Holy Eucharist, children must have
sufficient knowledge and
careful preparation
, so that they can understand the mystery of Christ, according to
their capacity, and receive the Body of the Lord with faith and devotion (cf. can. 913, §1). The catechesis of the Eucharist does not only have a sacramental purpose, but aims at a process
continuous in the Christian life.
More than
prepare for the “first” Eucharist, this catechesis prepares for the Eucharistic life, so that,
“gathered together by the Spirit into one body, we become in Christ a living sacrifice,” to the praise of the
glory of God (Eucharistic Prayer IV).
In our parish, children from the age of 9 can join the
Children's Catechesis
to receive the
First Communion
. Preparation meetings take place weekly, lasting two years (Do not confuse two years of catechesis with teaching hours. It is not just about presentation
content, but the minimum time for the child to begin entering the community.) Registration always takes place at the beginning of each year.
“The Eucharist is the saving presence
of Jesus in the community of believers and its spiritual nourishment (...), is a gift par excellence, because
gift of himself, of his person in sacred humanity, and also of his work of salvation.”
(EE 9.11).
Source: Diocesan Directory of the Sacraments - Diocese of Santo André