First Holy Communion

Receive the Body and Blood of Christ

The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Church, and it's the source and summit of our Catholic Faith. It is called "Eucharist" because it is an act of thanksgiving to God. Receiving Holy Communion worthily brings us graces that affect us both spiritually and physically. 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). 

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.


2023 First Holy Communion Class - First Group


Faith Formation Office

1621 Dilworth Road East * Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: (704) 334-2283
Fax: (704) 377-6403
 

Online Registration


Important Documents


Communion FAQ


What are the guidelines for my child to receive First Holy Communion?

Families of children and youth preparing to celebrate First Holy Communion must be registered and active members of a Catholic parish, and the child must be baptized in the Catholic Church. Children who would like to 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, including regular attendance for two years prior to reception of the Sacrament.

What if my child is older then 7 and hasn't made their First Holy Communion?

For children who are older than the traditional preparation grade level for a Sacrament, and have not yet celebrated that Sacrament, special arrangements must be made through the Faith Formation office.
[Read More]

When does First Holy Communion take place?

First Holy Communion for second graders is usually scheduled in late April or early May for those children who meet the requirements.

What is necessary to receive Holy Communion worthily?

To receive Holy Communion worthily, it is necessary to be free from mortal sin, to have right intent, and to obey the Church's laws on fasting required before Holy Communion out of reverence for the Body and Blood of Christ.
[Read More]

 

Important Dates


Jan 7

First Penance Parent Meeting

Sunday, 10:15 AM

First Penance Parent Meeting
Time: Sunday, 10:15 AM
Location: Family Life Center - Meeting Room - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Jan 20

First Penance Workshop

Saturday, 9:00 AM

First Penance Workshop
Time: Saturday, 9:00 AM
Location: Cathedral, Meeting Room, Youth Room
  No Description Available
Feb 10

First Penance

Saturday, 9:00 AM

First Penance
Time: Saturday, 9:00 AM
Location: Cathedral Church - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Feb 25

First Communion Parent Meeting

Sunday, 10:15 AM

First Communion Parent Meeting
Time: Sunday, 10:15 AM
Location: Family Life Center - Meeting Room - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Mar 16

First Communion Workshop

Saturday, 9:00 AM

First Communion Workshop
Time: Saturday, 9:00 AM
Location: Cathedral and Meeting Room
  No Description Available
Apr 19

First Communion Rehearsal

Friday, 6:00 PM

First Communion Rehearsal
Time: Friday, 6:00 PM
Location: Cathedral Church - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Apr 20

First Communion Mass

Saturday, 10:00 AM

First Communion Mass
Time: Saturday, 10:00 AM
Location: Cathedral Church - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Apr 26

First Communion Rehearsal

Friday, 6:00 PM

First Communion Rehearsal
Time: Friday, 6:00 PM
Location: Cathedral Church - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
Apr 27

First Communion Mass

Saturday, 10:00 AM

First Communion Mass
Time: Saturday, 10:00 AM
Location: Cathedral Church - 1621 Dilworth Road East Charlotte NC 28203
  No Description Available
May 12

May Crowning after 9 am Mass

Sunday, 10:00 AM

May Crowning after 9 am Mass
Time: Sunday, 10:00 AM
Location: Marian Grotto
  No Description Available
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