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First Eucharist
Jesus Christ is truly present in our midst. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Holy Communion, one of the three Sacraments of Initiation is the most profound way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. 

The Eucharist is holy, a sacred celebration that brings us into close contact with the holiness of God. In the Eucharist the holiness of God is present to us in a unique way. We are made holy by the very act of participating in the Eucharist. 

Thorough preparation of this sacred event is defined by opportunities for parents and baptized children in the second grade and beyond. The initial parent-child session held in late winter begins with a focus on everyday symbols and images in our lives, connecting our personal stories to our faith story. We also consider that in the Eucharist, Jesus gives us the greatest gift we could ever receive-himself! It is our hope that our time together will help you receive this gift with great faith, joy and love. 

Next, All First Communicants and their families attend 9:30 a.m. Mass together during the Lenten Season, leading up to the celebration of First Eucharist. Doing so fosters a communal presence, assists our children in developing deeper meaning and understanding of the Mass, and facilitates bringing parents closer to their children-forming awareness of the presence of God in their lives. 

In addition, St. Martin of Tours School children receive their catechesis and formation for First Eucharist in the context of the classroom. Parish School of Religion Youth prepare on six consecutive Sunday sessions with the Director of Religious Education, Mrs. Laurie Huff beginning in the early spring.

Finally, parents and children attend “Jesus Day”-a special retreat prior to the celebration that includes rehearsal, a luncheon and a presentation by Tom Sparough-The Space Painter. The family pew is decorated on the designated day of First Eucharist with a banner in which the communicant and their loved ones create together, connecting life to faith and faith to life.