Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

Along with the Sacrament of Baptism, First Holy Communion is one of our three sacraments of initiation. It is through these sacraments of initiation that we become full members of the Church. It is during First Holy Communion that we 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. For us as Catholics, there is nothing greater than to receive Jesus, truly present in the Eucharist at Mass.

If you are an adult who is seeking more information on how to become a member of the Catholic Church, or if you are a baptized Catholic who never received First Holy Communion, please check out Adult Education There you will find good information on what that process is and also the contact information for the person who can tell you more about it.

If you are visiting our site because your child is approaching second grade, or a little older; and you want to know the process for your child to receive First Holy Communion, we say welcome! We know what a busy and exciting time this is for your family, and we want to continue to assist you in raising your child in the faith.

Now, you want to know what is necessary for your child to receive First Holy Communion. Below are some frequently asked questions to get you started. If your question or situation does not fit neatly into these answers, don’t panic. Life happens! Please call the Religious Education office at (847) 587-2301.

• Be baptized in the Catholic Church, or another Christian denomination recognized by the Catholic Church. Basically, they must have been baptized with water and “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.”

• Have received at least one year of religious education instruction before second grade. Enrollment in St. Bede School or enrollment in our Religious Education Program in grade two is the norm. If your child is older than second grade, we may require completion in instructions that can “catch up” your child’s religious instruction when years were missed. Contact our Religious Education Office at (847) 587-2301 for additional information of registration

• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation . Instruction for this sacrament will take place at the same time as instruction for First Holy Communion. The reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation will take place a few weeks before First Holy Communion.

Questions or comments about this web site please link on to  stbedechurch.com.
Last modified: 10/07/09