As children reach the age of reason, generally around age seven, the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church extends to them the invitation to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at Baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist. Children in the Diocese of Charlotte are able to celebrate First Holy Communion during second grade per the following guidelines:

• Families of children and youth preparing to celebrate First Holy Communion should be registered and active members of a Catholic parish, and the child must be baptized in the Catholic Church. Families must be able to present the child's Baptismal certificate prior to the child receiving the Sacrament. It is possible for children who are not parishioners of the Cathedral to receive their First Holy Communion at Saint Patrick's if the parents are able to provide verification that they are registered members of another Catholic parish within the Diocese and if the pastor of that parish provides us with written permission.
   
• Children who will receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion must have attended an approved religious education program in either a parish, Catholic school or approved home school program with regular attendance for two years prior to the Sacrament (including instruction during the year of the Sacrament). The Diocese of Charlotte requires that students who attend religious education at the parish miss no more than three (3) Sacrament Preparation classes. Should the number of absences be exceeded, the pastor will have to consider having the child repeat the grade the following year.
   
• For children who are older than the traditional preparation year for a Sacrament, and have not yet celebrated that Sacrament, special arrangements must be made through the Faith Formation office. Your child may need to enroll in our RCIC program.