“Parents have the first responsibility for the education of their children. They bear witness to this responsibility first by creating a home where tenderness, forgiveness, respect, fidelity, and…service are the rule.” Catechism 2223 

Your role as the parent of a First Communion candidate is indispensable, because it is primarily within the family that your child will learn our belief that the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Jesus. The Eucharist is not a symbol or a sign, but Jesus truly present. As parents, your responsibilities will include three main components, which center on your own spiritual life. 

1.  Grow in holiness. No matter where you are now on your spiritual journey, make a commitment to grow closer to Christ this year. Be an example to your child as to what it looks like to live a holy, Catholic life. Show him/her the joy that comes from living a life of service, rooted in prayer, for His glory. Ideas for growing in holiness: 

• Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly. If you haven’t gone to Confession lately, now is the perfect time to make it a habit! Take your child along. 

• Come to know Jesus through scripture. Consider enrolling in a bible study, or commit to reflecting on the daily readings. Bring Christ to others. Many people in our parish,          neighborhoods, and even in our families are longing to feel the love of Jesus. 

• Talk to your child about the true presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. Learn about the different Eucharistic miracles around the world.

• Consider a visit to the homebound or those in a nursing home, make cookies for a lonely neighbor, take the time to chat with an old friend. 

2.  Sunday Eucharist is the centerpiece of life as a Catholic. Please make every effort to develop a practice of coming to Mass with your children each week, both now and after they receive their first Communion. Just as we provide our children daily with food at our table, we cannot fail to provide them weekly with food that will sustain them for life – the presence of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament. 

3. Pray. Pray for your child as they prepare for First Holy Communion. Pray with your child as they prepare for First Holy Communion. Pray as a family; even simple prayers like the Grace Before Meals or a family rosary can have a huge impact on your child’s spiritual life. Pray for strong, positive influences and role models to help guide your children when you can’t be there.  Commit to daily prayer. Schedule some time each day for prayer, even if it is just 10 minutes. If you already have this time, consider lengthening it, or try adding something new. Let your child see you taking the time to pray. Pour out your thoughts and concerns to the Lord – it makes Him happy. 

Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst."