Ordinary Holy Communion

The ordinary way of receiving Holy Communion is during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Mass). Holy Communion or the Body and Blood of Christ, is consumed during the Catholic Mass or Eucharistic Celebration. The first time a Baptized Catholic receives the Eucharist is called the “Receiving First Holy Communion.” This happens when a child reaches the minimum age of reason. A thorough systematic catechesis and a training is given about the central most mystery of the Catholic Faith which is the Holy Eucharist. All Catholic children, even if they are not attending Catholic schools, are welcome to participate in the parish program if their parents’ worship here in the Parish of Katukurunda. The instruction for both First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion typically takes place during the training program for both the Catholic school and public-school children in fourth grade.

The parents, with help from the program coordinators, prepare their child for First Holy Communion. At a minimum, your child must:

• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church.
• Parents should be married in the Catholic Church either in a disparity of cult (Catholic parent with a parent of a non-Catholic religion) or mixed communion (Catholic parent with a non-Catholic Christian of a main line Church) Marriage.
• In case of parents belonging to different religions the written consent of both parents must be given for the child to receive Holy Communion in the Roman Catholic Church.
• The Parents must have a Family Book which attests to their membership of a particular Parish
• Before receiving Holy Communion, the Child must first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation Instruction for this sacrament will take place before instruction for First Holy Communion.
• The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place a few days before First Holy Communion.

Traditionally, young Catholic children will make their first confession, also called the Sacrament of Reconciliation, before receiving their First Holy Communion. But confession is not the only requirement for receiving the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; the Sacrament of Baptism must have been received as well. A child, or any person, who has not been baptized cannot receive communion. At your child’s Baptism, you reaffirmed your belief in the Catholic Church and promised to raise your child in the Catholic faith. This is what the Church calls our “founded hope” that your child will be raised in the Catholic faith.

Today, if this “founded hope” is in jeopardy because your faith as a parent has changed and you no longer believe in the Catholic Church, or you attend another Christian Church, or for whatever reason you are not willing to ensure that your child will have opportunities to learn the faith and attend Sunday Mass, there may be reason to delay First Holy Communion. These are serious issues and will need the Priest’s determination to proceed. If you are in a similar situation, please contact a priest early to discuss your options.

• Application form requesting First Holy Communion [PDF]