First Holy Communion Guide for Catholic Children

Receiving your First Holy Communion is an exciting event in a young Catholic’s life.  No more watching from the sidelines as everyone stands in line to receive the Eucharist, wondering what the fuss is all about.

But for a young child, this can also be intimidating.  You have so much to learn about what receiving Communion really means and how important it is in your life.  There is also so much to learn about what is occurring when the priest is up at the alter performing holy acts.

Every young Catholic is expected to attend Catechism classes on Reconciliation and Communion before being able to receive them.  There are many things to learn during this time and it can be confusing and difficult to remember everything.

This guide was created as a visual reminder of this process, as well as step-by-step instructions on what to expect when they receive their First Holy Communion.  This guide can also be used to get a jump start on the learning process before they enter into those Catechism lessons.

There are two versions of this guide, a Free Children’s First Communion Guide that has all the basics and the Children’s First Communion Guide product that is colorful and has a few coloring pages and worksheets.  No matter which one you choose, each has the details your child needs to approach this important step in their young lives.

A Step-by-Step Guide to First Holy Communion for Catholic Children

What is the Eucharist?

• Jesus gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper, the night before he died.
• Jesus told his disciples to eat his body and drink his blood, which we see as the bread and wine.
• The Eucharist reminds us of Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross and helps us to stay close to Jesus.
• We remember the Last Supper every time we attend mass and receive the Eucharist.

Consecration 

The priest, by the power of the Holy Spirit, turns bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. This is called the Consecration. When we eat the host and drink the wine, we are receiving Jesus.

Objects Used During Consecration and Communion 

Priest – The priest is the representative of God who has the power to turn bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus, through the help of the Holy Spirit.

Host – The host is another word for the Eucharist.  This is the bread that is turned into the body of Jesus, by the power of the Holy Spirit, acting through the priest.

Paten – The paten is the small gold or silver bowl or plate that is used to hold the  consecrated bread (Host/Eucharist), which is the body of Christ.

Chalice – The chalice is the gold or silver cup that is used to hold the consecrated wine, which is the blood of Christ.

Alter – The alter is the sacred table where the holy objects are located during mass and where the sacrifice of the mass occurs.  The chalice, host, paten and candles are all located on the alter.  There are other objects that are also placed on the alter during mass, such as the alter cloth, corporal, purificator, and Book of the Gospels.

Candle – Candles are used on the alter as a symbol of the presence of Christ, who is the light of the world.  They are also a reminder of our baptism, as well as a sign of reverence and respect.

Step-by-Step Guide 

Walk Up to the Alter 

Get into line and walk up to the alter to the priest. Keep your hands folded in prayer and you may sing the communion song while you are walking.

Approach the Priest

Walk up to the priest and bow your head. Open your hands or mouth to receive communion. Place your left hand on top of your right if you’re right-handed or your right hand on top of your left if you’re left-handed.

Receive the Host 

The priest or communion minister will say, “The Body of Christ”, and you respond, “Amen.”  The host is then placed in your hand or on your tongue.  Chew and swallow the host right away.  Do not take the host back to your seat with you, it must be eaten immediately.

Receive the Wine 

Bow before the raised chalice with the wine.  The priest or communion minister will say, “The Blood of Christ”, and you respond, “Amen.”  Take a sip from the chalice.

Return to Your Pew 

Fold your hands in prayer and return to your pew.Sing the communion song and spend some quiet time in prayer.

Anima Christi 

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, inebriate me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within Thy wounds hide me.

Separated from Thee let me never be.

From the malignant enemy, defend me.

At the hour of death, call me.

And close to Thee bid me.

That with Thy saints

I may be Praising Thee, forever and ever.

Amen.

You can also print this Anima Christi prayer card.

Looking for information on First Reconciliation? Check out our Children’s Confession Guide.