The Sacrament of First Communion
Father, it is our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Word through whom you made the universe, the Savior you sent to redeem us. By the power of the Holy Spirit, he took flesh and was born of the Virgin Mary. For our sake he opened his arms on the cross; he put an end to death and revealed the resurrection. In this he fulfilled your will and won for you a holy people.
- from the Preface of Eucharistic Prayer
The word "Eucharist" means "to give thanks." Giving thanks always reorients us toward God and how he has saved his people from the beginning of time.
In each celebration of the Eucharist, Christ is made present to us. The Eucharist recalls Christ's sacrificial death for us on the cross in such a way that we experience his saving work each time we celebrate the Eucharist.
In sharing the one bread and one cup we also become one body in Christ. The Eucharist is the ultimate sign of the Church's unity.
For all these reasons, the Eucharist is the "source" and "summit" of our Catholic faith and life.
First Communion is usually received at age 8 following two years of religious education. A day retreat for children and their parents is held each year in preparation for the celebration of First Communion during the Easter season.
Readings for today, at the USCCB web site.
