First Communion

All people who participate in the Christian sacrament or ordinance of communion do so for a first time. However, the term first communion is commonly used to refer neither to infants nor to adults, but to children who have reached the age of discretion or reason necessary to participate in the Eucharist for the first time with a keen understanding of its significance.

Why Is First Communion Important?

The meaning of communion varies somewhat between the Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant traditions, but it is significant to all. To Catholics, communion is the source and summit of the Christian life, and a present participation in the sacrifice of Christ. It is believed that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ, in keeping with His words at the Last Supper to eat of His body and drink of His blood.

For Protestants, communion can be a symbolic act, the reception of the spiritual presence of Christ, or the consumption of Christ along with the elements. The differing views of Christ's presence in the elements are known as transubstantiation (the elements become Christ) and consubstantiation (Christ alongside the elements).

The ceremony of first communion occurs only after parents and a confessor deem a child ready. Catholic first communion is preceded by baptism and confession, as well as religious instruction to prepare the child for the Eucharist.

First communion is a very solemn and significant event, and the child's attire is an important symbolic part of the ceremony. White clothing is usually worn to symbolize purity. A white first communion dress with a veil and white gloves is common for girls. First communion dresses will sometimes become heirlooms passed down and worn by succeeding generations. First communion attire for boys is typically a first communion suit (sometimes white, though dark colors are also worn) or a communion outfit.

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