At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted
the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate
the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again,
and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity,
a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace,
and a pledge of future glory is given to us.
BE FED AND BE NOURISHED BY THE BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST
Who are candidates for the Sacrament of the Eucharist?
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Children who have reached the age of reason, usually seven years old. Children seven years old and older who have not been baptized may go through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (also known as RCIA). In danger of death, the minimal requirements for the reception of First Eucharist are present when a child expresses the desire for the Eucharist and is able to distinguish it from ordinary bread.
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Children who have completed first grade faith formation and are part of the formal second grade faith formation experience, received either through the parish or Catholic school.
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Children who have received preparation for and have celebrated First Penance.
What role do parents assume in preparation for the sacrament?
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First and foremost, parents must understand that they are the primary teachers in the preparation for the celebration of Eucharist. They must give witness to their children about the faith and understanding of the Church concerning the Eucharist.
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Work with catechists in preparing the child that he/she may gain sufficient knowledge about the mystery of Jesus Christ and be able to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ with faith and devotion.