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 a sacrament must be registered and active at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick.
• The child must be baptized in the Catholic Church.
• For the sacraments of Confession and Eucharist, the child must have attended an approved religious education program in either a parish or Catholic school with regular attendance for two years prior to the Sacrament (at least one year prior and instruction during the year of the sacrament).
• Families must present a Baptismal certificate for the child preparing for a sacrament.
• The Diocese of Charlotte requires that students miss no more than 3 classes. Should the number of absences be exceeded, we 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

Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet: "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me." (Catechism of the Catholic Church #1391)