First Eucharist and First Reconcilation

The Eucharist

The Eucharist is the center of Catholic life and worship. Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” We celebrate the Eucharist as a response of thanksgiving for the love which God has for us in Christ. The Mass is the context in which we celebrate God’s love and sharing of the Eucharist. In receiving the Eucharist we say “Amen,” which affirms our faith that it is Christ we are receiving. It also renews our commitment to live our baptismal vows and strengthens us with Christ’s own life within us-we become what we eat.

First Eucharist and First Reconcilation

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles requires a two-year preparation for children wishing to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist. This preparation may be completed through enrollment in the School of Religious Education or Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary School. Parents also attend a series of meetings and retreats on the theology of the sacraments in general and specifically First Reconciliation and First Eucharist.

Parents are given practical suggestions on how to talk with their children about God, why it is necessary to attend Mass on Sunday, and how to share their faith with their children in age appropriate ways.

During the second year preparation the children celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation during February and their First Communion during the month of May. A First Communion Retreat day is scheduled for the children and parents before the reception of the Eucharist.