Sacraments & Life


"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."


 - Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324


The Eucharist

First Holy Communion for Children in Faith Formation

Sacrament Preparation for First Communion is a two-year process that starts no earlier than 1st grade. Students must complete a year of faith formation, either at Bishop Larkin (or other Catholic school) or at St. Thomas Aquinas K-5 Faith Formation (or other Catholic parish), before beginning the second year of sacrament preparation. For example: If a student completes their first year of sacrament prep in the 4th grade, then they would begin the second year of sacrament prep in the 5th grade. First grade is the earliest a student can complete Year 1 of First Communion sacrament preparation.


*NOTE: Your family must be registered and active at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish for your child to receive First Communion here. In some circumstances, your child can receive First Communion here with the written permission (and pastor’s signature/parish seal) of the parish where you are active and registered if other than St. Thomas Aquinas.


Requirements for First Communion:

  • Valid Baptism: The Catholic Church recognizes valid trinitarian baptisms from other Christian traditions, meaning a valid non-Catholic baptism does not need to be repeated.
  • Profession of Faith: Receiving the Eucharist is a sign of full unity with the beliefs of the Catholic Church, including the doctrine of the Real Presence.
  • Preparation: A child must complete Catholic sacramental preparation (classes) and make their First Reconciliation (Confession) before receiving First Communion.  In our Diocese this is a two-year process, so parents are encouraged to have their children begin Faith Formation when they start school.
First Communion Year 1 First Communion Year 2

First Holy Communion for Teens and Adults

Parents with children in grade 8 or older, who are baptized Catholic and have missed their First Holy Communion, should contact the OCIA coordinator to determine the best Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation process for their youth.


Adult Catholics who have not received their First Holy Communion as well as adults of other religions should also contact our OCIA coordinator.

Participation at Holy Mass

If you are not Catholic and joining us for worship from another Faith, you are welcome to participate in our liturgy, however, we ask that you refrain from receiving Holy Communion.  In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist represents a profound profession of complete unity in faith, belief, and church teaching.  The word communion means oneness.  Partaking in the same bread signifies that a person is already fully united with the teachings, life, and governing authority of the Catholic Church.


What You Can Do

  • Stand, sit, and kneel: You are welcome to join the congregation in physical postures, respect the quiet, or offer silent personal prayers.
  • Participate in common prayers:  You may join in spoken or sung parts like the Our Father.
  • Receive a blessing: During Holy Communion, you may remain in your pew, or walk forward with your arms crossed over your chest to signal you would like a blessing from the priest instead of the bread and wine.