First Holy Communion is a very special moment in a child’s faith life when they receive the Eucharist for the first time. Catholics believe that in the Eucharist, the bread and wine truly become the Real Presence of Jesus Christ—His Body and Blood—while still appearing as bread and wine. Children typically prepare for and receive their First Eucharist in the second grade through parish sacramental preparation. Families whose children are older and may have missed this time are always welcome, and the parish will gladly help them prepare. Children attending Catholic schools also participate in sacramental preparation through the parish, since the sacraments are received within the life of the parish community.