Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

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. We extend a special greeting to you if you are trying to find out more about First Holy Communion for yourself or your child.

Students will be prepared to celebrate First Reconciliation  from the  second grade or above; First Communion will follow the year after completing and receiving First Reconciliation.  Students must be enrolled in a formal religious education program two years before celebrating the Sacraments (K through first grade.) 

If you are an adult who is seeking more information on First Holy Communion, please consider The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). For information about our RCIA program, please click here.

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.

Below are some of the basic requirements to have your child receive First Holy Communion:

At a minimum, your child must:

• 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 two years of religious education instruction before second grade. If your child is older than second grade, we may require completion of additional instruction that can “catch up” your child’s religious instruction when years were missed. Contact our Director of Religious Education Linda Pintar for more information.
  
• Have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Instruction for this sacrament takes place at the same time as instruction for First Holy Communion.
  

To find out more about First Holy Communion for your child, please contact our Parish Office at 520-868-5940.

Assumption of the

Blessed Virgin Mary

Liturgy/Sacraments

Roman Catholic Parish

       ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY PARISH MISSION STATEMENT

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We, the people of The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Parish, accept the responsibility and challenge for the mission of Jesus to the Catholic Church "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations."  This is accomplished by creating a Christian community of Jesus which is alive and proclaims our worship, education, and service to others.