Celebrating First Holy Communion: Students Joyfully Receive “the Greatest Gift”

This past April, it wouldn’t have been difficult to spot the youth who were receiving their first Holy Communion — they were dressed in their best and had a look of joy and excitement on their faces!

The youth from Saint Michael Parish School and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd received their first Holy Communion the weekend of April 23 and 24. On the weekend of June 11 and 12, the online sacramental preparation students, the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement students, and more Catechesis of the Good Shepherd students will receive the sacrament. The idea is for the students to receive First Holy Communion at the Mass they typically attend with their families.

“We want the whole parish to experience their joy,” says Elizabeth Lyons, Steward for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Sacramental Preparation.

At Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, youth are invited to add their name to a box if they are ready to receive the sacrament. Then, teachers can discuss with parents if they are ready. Youth are invited when they are 7 years old.

The day of First Holy Communion is always exciting for the children, and Elizabeth hopes the students realize the value of the gift they received that day and for the rest of their lives.

“I believe being surrounded by the parish community, friends, and family adds to their experience,” she says. “I pray that the Eucharist would be the greatest gift they received on that day.”

Preparing for this special day happens as part of the sacramental preparation process, whether taking place at Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or Saint Michael Parish School. But Elizabeth believes the most important preparations occur at home.

“The best scenarios are families who form their children the moment they are born and continue this process with additional formation through our school or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd ministry,” Elizabeth says.

Students from both the school and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd receive extensive formation to prepare them for First Holy Communion. In addition, all of the teachers have gone through training to be prepared to guide students through several goals. Students are given lessons about Scripture, the altar, and sacred vessels, to name a few.

“We present the gestures that happen in the Eucharistic Prayer,” Elizabeth says. “We guide the children on how to pray. In Lent, we focus on the Paschal Mystery with an emphasis on the Last Supper.”

When students approach the altar to receive their First Holy Communion, they are more than prepared.

Having been in her role here at SMP for nine years, Elizabeth loves walking children through the sacraments and seeing the looks on their faces when they understand a concept.

“It amazes me how deeply spiritual children are, and they understand the mysteries of our faith with perfect trust in God,” she says.

The students also made their First Reconciliation before receiving First Communion. We extend heartfelt congratulations to our students for receiving the most beautiful Sacrament of Holy Communion!