First Communion

May 21, 2017

At Trinity we take the spiritual lives of children seriously. Especially when it comes to the Sacraments; including First Communion. ​In the Bible, Jesus makes some astounding claims and promises about Holy Communion:
"This is my Body. This is my Blood. Do this in remembrance of me. …I am the living bread which comesdown from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I shall give for the lifeof the world is my flesh…. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him. As theliving Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats this bread will live because of me."
 
(Luke 22 ​and John 6)
In addition to the words of Jesus, St. Paul tells us that it is very important to receive Holy Communion with appropriate understanding and seriousness:
"Whoever therefore eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink thecup. For anyone who eats the bread and drinks the cup without discerning the Body, eats and drinks judgment upon himself.
(2 Corinthians 11)
Furthermore, there is the basic human need for what psychologists call "rites of passage". Receiving Holy Communion is a very important and serious event in a person's life.
It ought to be memorable. It ought to be a big deal.
Holy Communion is at the heart of our Christian faith and worship. We want to do everything possible to help each person, both child and adult, understand its meaning and the grace intended in this sacrament. We want to help everyone receive Holy Communion as faithfully as Jesus and St. Paul intend us to receive it. First Communion Class will begin April 12th in preparation for First Communion on May 21st.

Class
Classes take place on Tuesdays, from 5:00 - 6:00 pm in the Trinity Chapel. In 2017, classes began on April 18th. 

Who should attend?
Students in second grade or older are welcome to attend class. 

An adult who is important in the life of the child (parent, grandparent, Godparent, etc.) is required to attend class with the child.

Adults taking the class often report that they enjoy the classes and that they learn just as much, if not more, than their child.

Presentation to the Congregation
Students who wish to receive their first communion are presented to the congregation on First Communion Day. Fr. Patrick will ask them some things which they had discussed in class and the students will have the opportunity to share what they learned before taking their first communion with the rest of the congregation.

Reception
Once the service is completed families will have the opportunity to take pictures of their children with Fr Patrick. Afterward there is a reception hosted by the Sunday School in Honor of the First Communicants. We encourage everyone in the Congregation to congratulate the First Communicants and salute their time and commitment to class. 

First Holy Communion: A Day of Celebration!

For more information on First Communion contact the Trinity Church Office.