The first question to ask yourself is, “Is my child at Mass regularly?” If your child is at Mass each Sunday and is capable of paying attention to what is going on, that’s the first step. The second question to ask is, “Does my child have a sincere desire to share in the Eucharist?” When children attend Mass regularly, eventually they want to participate more fully. This is a logical progression that leads the child to ask, “When can I go to communion?” Finally, ask yourself, “Does my child understand that this consecrated bread and wine is truly the body and blood of Jesus?” Typically, children are ready for the sacrament of First Holy Communion in the second grade, however, each child is different. Children may benefit from waiting until they are ready to receive the Eucharist before making their First Holy Communion. 

Parents have an important role in helping children become “ready.” If they see you regularly receive the Eucharist with reverence, and see that it is an important part of your life, they will also desire Eucharist, and know this is Jesus coming to us in a special, tangible way. If you have conversations about God, encourage the family to pray, worship, and also meet Jesus through life with others in the parish, they will naturally grow in relationship to Jesus Christ and the Church. If you take the time to help them participate in Mass – to give thanks and praise, to learn the words, gestures, to sing and pray, they will be as comfortable at the Eucharistic meal as they are at their family’s table. If you “practice what you pray” by living the gospel mandate to “love one another”, they will see that the Eucharist nourishes your life every day of the week.

Girls should be dressed in white. Dresses or a skirt/top combo are acceptable. The style of the dress is left up to you and your child’s preference. Spaghetti strap dresses are discouraged, but if you choose a dress that has spaghetti straps a sweater or covering must be worn during the Mass out of reverence for the sacrament. Optional accessories are a veil or a simple flower wreath, headband, or barrette.

Boys need to wear dark, tan or white pants and a white shirt is preferred. Dress shoes. No sneakers. A tie, sweater, vest, or jacket is suggested but optional.

No high platform shoes. No sneakers, flip flops, Mohawks, or excess exposed skin. Limit the shortness of the dress you chose. Parents, please respect this request for reverence, for your child and yourself. 

Can they have gloves, missals, rosaries, etc.? All of those things are terrific. HOWEVER, we do need to remember two things. First, when they receive the actual Eucharist they need to have bare hands and second, if your child has too many things to remember, hold, wear, or keep in their possession during this time, it can add to their stress level. Remember, they are already nervous. Our task is to take the focus OFF the event as something that they are “performing” and put the focus ON the sacrament, the fact that they are to receive Christ the first time. Simplicity is key.

The parents and the parish are responsible for your child's preparation for the First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion, with help from our Catholic schools. To prepare for First Holy Communion you are to register your family in your local parish. If you are not attending a parish currently, we warmly invite you to join the Church of St. Andrew.

Children who attend Catholic School fulfill their religious education requirement in their school, however, they do their communion preparation with their parish. For further information, please contact the Office of Religious Education.