The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324)
The inexhaustible richness of this sacrament is expressed in the different names we git it. Each name evokes certain aspects of it. It is called Eucharist, because it is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that proclaim - espeically during a meal - God's works: creation, redemption, and sanctification. (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1328)
All the faithful are bound to receive the Most Holy Eucharist at least once per year during the Easter season (Code of Canon Law, can. 920).
After a suitable period of time has passed since First Reconciliation (Archdiocesan Pastoral Policies Handbook, 3.2.3.9.a), it is the responsibility, in the first place, of parents as well as of the pastor to see that children who have reached the age of reason are correctly prepared to receive the Most Holy Eucharist. It belongs to the pastor to determine if a child is sufficiently disposed to receive his or her First Holy Communion (Code of Canon Law, can. 914).
*For youth older than 1st & 2nd grade, please contact the Fr. Pietramale to make arrangements.