First Communion
The
First Communion (First Holy Communion) is a
Roman Catholic ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person's first celebration of the
sacrament of the
Eucharist. Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist is one of the central focuses of the Catholic Church. First Communion is also celebrated by some Protestant denominations, particularly
Lutherans. Celebration of this ceremony is typically less elaborate in those Protestant churches that practice it.
First Communion is most often celebrated by children around the age of seven or eight, when they have reached the
age of reason and are capable of participating in the sacramental life of the Catholic Church. First Communion is to be preceded by the sacraments of
baptism and
reconciliation. If a person has not been baptized as a baby or small child, they will usually be baptized shortly before their First Communion.
According to the decree released by
Pope Pius X in
1910, entitled "Quam Singulari", the sacrament of penance must be received before First Communion. The
Code of Canon Law c.914 states "It is the responsibility...of parents...as well as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the age of reason are correctly prepared and are nourished by the divine food as early as possible, preceded by sacramental confession; it is also for the pastor to be vigilant lest any children come to the Holy Banquet who have not reached the age of reason".
While this sacrament usually takes place when the person is still a child, it can be celebrated at any age provided the person has never celebrated the sacrament of the Eucharist before.
Depending on culture, this could be the same as or different from a solemn communion.
First Communion is traditionally a big event for Catholic families.
Traditions surrounding First Communion usually include large family gatherings and parties to celebrate the child's First Communion.
Special clothing is usually worn. The clothing is often white, to symbolize
purity. Girls, especially, wear fancy dresses and often a
veil attached to a headdress, as well as white
gloves (long or short). In some communities in the
United States the practice of buying a special dress for First Communion is becoming increasingly extravagant, with prices sometimes in excess of $200. In other communities it is more common for girls to wear dresses that have been passed down to them from their sisters or mothers.
In Scotland, it is traditional for boys to wear a kilt for the ceremony.
Gifts are usually given and often this will include gifts of a religious nature, such as
rosaries,
prayer books, in addition to religious statues and
icons.
Many families will also take this opportunity to have formal, professional
photographs taken, in addition to the many candid
snapshots of the day.
*
Infant Communion*
Communion and the Developmentally Disabled*
Confirmation*
Quam singulari*
A Letter from the Vatican: First Penance, First Communion*
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Communion of Children
