Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Even though we are required to receive Communion at least once per year (our Easter Duty), the Church urges us to receive Communion frequently (even daily, if possible).

Because of the intimate connection of the Sacrament of Holy Communion to our life in Christ, we must be free of any grave or mortal sin before receiving it, as St. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29. Otherwise, as he warns, we receive the Sacrament unworthily, and we "eateth and drinketh damnation" to ourselves.

If we are aware of having committed a mortal sin, we must participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation first. The Church sees the two Sacraments as connected and urges us, when we can, to join frequent Reconciliation with frequent Communion.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

• The Sacrament of First Holy Communion is held every year.
• As per the Archdiocesan policy, no individual First Holy Communion with Mass is allowed, unless one has an explicit permission from the Archbishop.
• The candidate seeking First Holy Communion should have a record of attending regular catechism from Class I onwards. Therefore, it is imperative for parents to ensure that your child’s catechism attendance card is preserved for future reference.
• Special classes for First Holy Communion will be held a month or two prior to the actual administering of the Sacrament. These classes are mandatory. It is important to attend regular catechism classes to be qualified to enroll oneself for the special classes.
• Candidates and their Parents should participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation on the day prescribed day before the administering of the Sacrament
• Preserve safely the certificate of Holy Communion which will be signed and issued by the Parish Priest.