The summit and source of our life

What is First Eucharist?

The Eucharist is a life-giving sacrament instituted by Christ's earthly mission nearly 2000 years ago. The Church continues this mission in offering to all Catholics the opportunity to live out the Eucharistic commandment to "be bread for the world." For young children preparing to receive their First Eucharist, a series of preparatory classes are required to help both child and parent understand the healing power of love and forgiveness.

Preparing for the sacrament at St. Peter's

Each winter, we offer a series of ten weekly classes that meet prior to the Sunday morning mass. Our belief in the Eucharist is that is a sacrament which "re-orients" our inner being to live out most fully the commandment to be "bread for the world." It is important that both parents and catechists work together to impart this essential piece of our faith.

Forming young children to understand the importance of this sacrament in relation to their faith life is extremely critical as the child grows in awareness of how Christ enters their lives through action of receiving him at Mass. As the child understands that Christ is present in both wine and bread, the child also sees that Christ becomes present in them also.

Below is a list of the full requirements for both parents and children seeking to receive First Eucharist at St. Peter's. A parent must:

• Be a confirmed Catholic in the Church.
• Be a registered parishioner at St. Peter's for a minimum of 3 months
• Attend all required preparatory classes

The child must:

• Be in second grade
• Be baptized
• Attended Religious education or Catholic School for a minimum of 1 year prior to requesting the sacrament
• Attend all required preparatory classes with their parents

Receiving the sacrament at St. Peter's

In the reception of First Eucharist, the children of our community become fully active and participating members in the life of our Church. First Eucharist is offered during a special Sunday morning liturgy for children, their parents and relatives and the whole of our community to celebrate in this most august occasion.

To register your child or for more information about our other sacramental preparatory programs, contact our Office of Faith Formation.