Sacrament Of Holy Communion

Eucharistia means thanksgiving, and the Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life." Receiving Holy Communion worthily brings us graces that affect us both spiritually and physically. Holy Communion reinforces the ability of our free will to withstand the assaults of the devil. In a formal definition, the Church calls Holy Communion "an antidote by which we are preserved from grievous sins" (Council of Trent, October 11, 1551). Holy Communion also gives us a spiritual joy in the service of Christ, in defending His cause, in performing the duties of our state of life, and in making the sacrifices required of us in imitating the life of our Savior. On Christ's own promise, Holy Communion is a pledge of heavenly glory and of our bodily resurrection from the dead (John 6:55).

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 must be registered and active at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick 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 Pattick's if the parents are able to provide verification that they are registered members of a Catholic parish within the Diocese and if the pastor of that parish provides his written permission.

Child who would like to recieve 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 (at least one year prior and 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 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 celebrated that sacrament, special arrangements must be made through the Faith Formation office.

For more information, please contact:
Quentin Salerno, Coordinator of Elementary Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation