I have received three catholic sacraments throughout my life. These sacraments would be baptism, first reconciliation, and first communion. This coming weekend, I will be receiving my fourth sacrament of confirmation, where I am confirming being a part of the catholic faith for the rest of my life. Catholicism and the sacraments play a very big part in my cultural identity as I have grown up being catholic. The sacrament of First Communion helps our family gather together in order to celebrate the start of a new chapter in our family members lives. 

When Jesus shared his final meal with the disciples before he died, it was named the Last Supper. In the meal, Jesus presented the bread and wine that symbolized his body and blood. This supper is the start of the tradition of taking communion at mass. The supper was formally celebrated as a full meal, but the meal grew smaller by the third century. Christians participated in the Lord's supper by gathering in homes for an evening dinner during the first and second centuries. Over time, communion in the Christian Church became more structured and controlled, resulting in less of a meal and more of a ritual. According to Biblical Archaeology, another factor to the Lord’s Supper becoming a practiced tradition comes from the growing church community wanting to meet together to celebrate Jesus. The change from a meal to a ritual has many explanations, but the main reason is the time of day Christians gathered. By the third century, Christians started to gather in the early morning, making a full meal not necessary. 

As stated by OCP “For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.” This phrase means that when someone eats and drinks without understanding or respecting the significance of what they are consuming, they bring judgment upon themselves. 

Families of the first communicant typically celebrate their loved ones first communion. First communion customs involve family gatherings and celebrations to mark this important occasion. The term used to refer to a person's first time receiving the body of Christ is First Holy Communion. 

As stated by All Saints Hayward, each Sunday, we come together to celebrate the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Jesus calls us to spread the love of God with others at the end of Mass. 

The sacrament of first holy communion is extremely important as the sacraments of the Catholic Church play an important role in a person's life. Given that the Eucharist is a key part of the catholic faith, the church recognises the seriousness of this occasion. Special attire is usually worn when receiving the sacrament of Eucharist. Girls tend to wear white dresses and veils to represent purity while the boys wear suits. Along with the religious icons, first communicants usually receive gifts with religious meanings such as books or rosaries. 

According to Catholic Exchange, many First Communicants are given special gifts such as prayer books and rosaries to guide them on their religious journey. 

According to St Eugene Catholic Church, receiving the Eucharist at mass is extremely important to a Catholic. In a Catholic person’s life, First Communion is known to be very significant.  There are many requirements in order for a person to receive their First Holy Communion. At a minimum you need to be baptized in the Catholic Church, have received the sacrament of reconciliation, and be older than second grade. If you have not been baptized, you are not allowed to receive the sacrament of First Communion. In order to receive your first communion, you must participate in a parish program where you will grow in faith and get prepared for your first communion. Typically, young Catholics will make their first confession before receiving the next sacrament of First Holy Communion. The reception of first reconciliations is usually just a few months before receiving First Communion. First communion ceremonies commonly take place around the Easter season.

As stated by All Saints Hayward, children who are interested in receiving their First Communion participate in a Faith Formation program where they will grow as a child of God and learn more about their faith. 

By celebrating the Eucharist, we complete the passover meal and receive the spiritual food of God. Everyday at mass, we remember this meal that Jesus had with his disciples. According to OCP, whoever receives the body and blood of Jesus Christ should know they are consuming God and he is becoming a part of them. Christ's method of presence inside the Eucharistic species is distinct. The Eucharist is more important than any other sacrament because we are receiving Jesus as a whole. Christ, who is both God and man, makes himself fully and completely known through this noticeable presence. The wine and bread that are used must be fermented from grapes and manufactured from wheat for those who suffer from illnesses like alcoholism or wheat allergies. The Eucharist, which takes the form of bread, and the blood both include the body, blood, soul, and divinity. He gives men life through his own flesh, which the Holy Spirit has now given life.

As stated by All Saints Hayward, First Holy Communion celebrates Jesus being present in the bread and wine we receive in our community.