Confirmation & First Holy Communion

What is Confirmation?

Beyond baptism, confirmation allows an older child to make a conscious, public commitment to his or her faith and to God. Confirmation most frequently happens when a child is between the ages of 11 and 14 and has been nurtured in the church since their baptism. Most congregations offer a deliberate time of preparation before this service. During confirmation class, confirmands learn about the meaning of Christian faith; the history and teachings of the church; and an explanation of the baptismal and membership vows they will be professing.

What is First Holy Communion?

First Holy Communion is an important rite within the Catholic faith. Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is considered one of the three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that Catholics become full members of the Church. During First Holy Communion, children, usually in the second grade, receive the Holy Eucharist for the first time. The Holy Eucharist refers to Christ’s body, blood, soul, and divinity truly present in the consecrated host and wine (now called the Body and Blood of Christ) on the altar.