First Communion

First Communion

Communion is a rite of the Catholic Church. At their First Communion children receive the holy sacrament for the first time in front of the assembled congregation. The word refers to the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion and expresses the spiritual bond with the community of believers. Confession is the prerequisite for admission. The service is followed by family celebrations and small gifts with a religious meaning.

In the early Middle Ages the rite was unknown; only after the Lateran Council of the 13th century were children led to confession and Communion. The first such celebration in Germany took place in 1661 in the diocese of Münster, and by the 19th century the feast was firmly established.

Today's communicants are usually about nine years old and are prepared in small groups through classes or parish events. Traditionally the First Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday after Easter, though 1 May or Ascension Day are common in many places. Afterwards the children may become altar servers or join the parish youth work.

Place cards for First Communion and confirmation

Place cards with chalice, cross, dove and fish motifs – with or without printed text. more

Homemade place cards for First Communion and confirmation

Card blanks, cross and fish appliqués – simple place cards for a church celebration. more

First Communion invitation wording

Four sample texts for the invitation to a First Holy Communion. more

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