1. First Holy Communion Parent Meeting

2. Prayer

3. What is Communion? Greek word “koinonia”which means communion, joint participation; the share which one has in anything. The sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.

4. What is Communion? Jesus at the last supper said, “Do this in memory of me” Is a sharing a participation of the life of Christ

5. What is Communion? A journey in union with Christ and our brothers and sisters Christ is the head of the body, the church.

6. What is your response? A life of devotion Holy lives Prayer Service Receiving the Sacraments Confession Eucharist (Sunday Mass) Life of deep joy Meaningful life

7. Canon 914 It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children who have reached the use of reason are prepared properly and, after they have made sacramental confession, are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible. It is for the pastor to exercise vigilance so that children who have not attained the use of reason or whom he judges are not sufficiently disposed do not approach holy communion.

8. Catechism #1457 According to the Church's command, "after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year." Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.

9. Who can receive? Eucharist is a sacrament of Initiation. In order to receive the sacrament, a person must be baptized, a Catholic, at least seven years old and free from mortal sin.* Before receiving your first communion, you must receive the sacrament of penance.

10. What is Eucharist? The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life." CCC 1324 The bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus. Jesus is fully present, body, blood, soul and divinity. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) Receiving Communion heals us and sustains us in our daily life.

11. Receiving Holy Communion Standing: Receive in the hand, right hand under left hand On the tongue: slight bow as an act of reverence. Tilt your head back slightly stick out your tongue. Kneeling: (same procedure as on the tongue.) “The Body of Christ” Respond “Amen” Consume the host immediately Kneel in your pew until the tabernacle is closed.

12. How to Dress Girls: dress, preferably white with sleeves; shoes or sandals. Veil is optional. No strapless or spaghetti strap dresses, no slides or flip-flops, no gloves, purses, rosaries, flowers, or books to carry. Boys: Dress pants, shirt, tie, socks and shoes, jacket optional.

13. Important Dates RETREAT April 16th, 2016Saturday 3 rd 8:00 am – 12:00 pm at St. Mary’s Parish Center 4 th – 8 th 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm at St. Mary’s Parish Center REHERSAL May 11 th, 2016 Wednesday 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm at the St. Mary’s Parish Center SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION May 14 th, 2016 Saturday Location: Casa de Mañana at the Imperial Valley Expo Time: 10:00 am *Photographers will be available before and after the ceremony.

14. Elcentrocatholic.org

15. Closing Prayer