“Then Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'” – John 6:35

Receiving Holy Communion is a big deal, especially the first time. This is when a person welcomes Our Lord in His entirety – Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity – into his or her own body and soul in this unique way.

Young or old, male or female, we are united intimately and personally with Our Lord every time we receive the Eucharist. No wonder the name of this sacrament means “thanksgiving”!

We prepare extensively for our First Communion, and we should also prepare ourselves for every Communion. This preparation starts at home. Before we head to church for Mass, it is a good idea to read the Scripture readings for the day, and to reflect on the gift of the Eucharist.

In addition, we are required to abstain from food or drink, except water, for one hour prior to receiving Communion. This is to help emphasize the holiness of the One we are about to receive and to express our reverence for Him. 

Once we are in church, we should spend a few minutes in silent prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to prepare our mind and body to be nourished by the gift of the Eucharist.

What makes Communion so special the first time is the same thing that makes it special every time!

Our souls become the bride of Christ. That is why we celebrate. And the very act of celebrating reveals our belief in the True Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.

Before receiving Holy Communion, you can recite a prayer to dispose yourself to receive the King of Kings in your heart:

Oh Lord, I believe and I profess that You are the true Christ, the Son of the living God that came to this world to save sinners, of which I am the first. Accept me as a participant in your Mystical Supper, Oh Son of God.

I will not reveal your mystery to your enemies, nor will I give You a kiss as did Judas, but as the good thief, I recognize You.

Remember me, Oh Lord, when you come to your Kingdom. Remember, Oh Master, when You come to your Kingdom. Remember me, Oh Holy One, when You come to your Kingdom.

That my participation in your Holy Mysteries, Oh Lord, may not be my judgment and condemnation, but to heal my soul and my body.

Oh Lord, I also believe and profess that I am about to receive what is truly your Most Precious Body and vivifying Blood, of which I ask You to make me worthy to receive, for the remission of all my sins and eternal life. Amen.

Oh Lord, be merciful with me, a sinner.
Oh Lord, cleanse me from my sins and have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, forgive me, because I have sinned innumerable times.
- Saint John Chrysostom

If you haven't received your First Holy Communion, St. Aloysius offers faith-formation programs for our members in every stage of faith and age of life.

For information about our programs, please call us at 603-882-4362 ext. 211 or send us an email at [email protected].