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First Holy Communion

The word ‘communion’ means to be united with; Catholics believe that in holy communion we are united in a special way with Jesus Christ.

"Take this and eat, this is my body", Jesus said of the bread he shared among his followers at his last supper. Then taking a cup of wine he said, "take this and drink, for this is my blood".

Catholics believe than in a mysterious way when we receive holy Communion we are sharing in the body and blood - the very life - of Christ our Saviour. Holy Communion, and the whole service (Mass) is also known as Eucharist, from a Greek word meaning thanksgiving.

About the Eucharist The person who receives Communion wishes to be ....

Adult First Communion Normally reception of the Eucharist is an ....

Preparing your child Before your child can make the first Holy ....

Confession before Communion? Does my son have to make his first Confession before his first Communion? ....

At what age should first Communion take place? My husband, who is not a Catholic, says that seven is far too young for a child receive Communion, what do you think? ....

I'm divorced / separated I go to Church most Sundays but don’t go to Communion as I’m separated from my husband. I would like to go to Communion with my child on first Communion day, is this all right? ....

First Communion Dress My daughter’s school has decreed that the first Holy Communion group this year are to receive communion in their normal clothes with the family at Mass on any Sunday. We expected the usual white first Communion dress for our daughter. I remember my first communion day as such a happy occasion with ....

I don't go to Church My child is just beginning instruction for First Communion at school, but I’ve not been to church for years. I’m worried that either pressure will be put on me to go to church or that my child will be made to think that I’m not as good as the other parents who go to church. ....

First Communion or Confirmation first? Bishops and theologians differ over whether Communion should come before Confirmation. Cian Molloy looks at the tradition behind both sacraments and the stresses and strains involved in what have become social rights of passage as much as religious events. ....