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First Holy Communion

Canon Law of the Catholic Church (Can 697) prescribes that the Eucharist be administered as soon as possible after Baptism and Chrismation. In our parish, Baptism is always integrated with Divine Liturgy (following the most authentic Liturgical Theology). So after Chrismation, we proceed with the rest of Divine Liturgy and the Neophyte then receives First Holy Communion at Communion time. All who are Baptized have not only the Right but also the Duty to receive Holy Communion. This includes Baptized Infants and Children.

We always bring Baptized Infants and Children to Holy Communion - unless there is some real concern that they have grave sin upon their consciences. If their Baptism is valid, then it is a grave and serious matter to deny Infants and Children access to the Lord's Table and the Blessed Sacrament.

As Canon Law states: "the administration of the Divine Eucharist to infant neophytes is not limited to only the moment to the celebration of Initiation. "Eucharist is the Bread of Life, and infants need to be nourished constantly, from then on, to grow spiritually."

After communion, the Priest takes the Neophyte through the Holy Doors into the Altar.

The Priest takes the Neophyte around the Holy Table. At each corner, the Neophyte kisses the Holy Table (just like during the Ordination to the Priesthood). Meanwhile the Song of Simeon is sung by the Congregation.

Ukrainian version
Українська версія

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