Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”: the Body and Blood of Christ, offered for us and received in Holy Communion.
What is the Eucharist?
The heart of the Church’s life.
The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist (CCC 1322).
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Saviour instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood, to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages (CCC 1323).
In the Eucharist Christ is truly, really and substantially present, whole and entire, under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC 1374). This is why the Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324).
Signs & effects
The fruits of Holy Communion (CCC 1391–1398).
Union with Christ
Holy Communion deepens our intimate union with Christ Jesus.
CCC 1391Separates us from sin
It cleanses past sins and preserves us from future sins.
CCC 1393Venial sins forgiven
By the charity it enkindles, it wipes away venial sins.
CCC 1394Strength against grave sin
It preserves us from future mortal sins.
CCC 1395Unity of the Church
The Eucharist makes the Church: it unites all the faithful in one body.
CCC 1396Love for the poor
It commits us to the poor, in whom we recognise Christ.
CCC 1397Who may receive the Eucharist
To receive Holy Communion worthily (CCC 1385–1389).
- Be a baptized Catholic who believes that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ.CCC 1376
- Be in the state of grace. Anyone aware of having committed a grave sin must receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before coming to Communion.CCC 1385
- Keep the Eucharistic fast: no food or drink, except water and medicine, for one hour before Communion.CCC 1387 · Code of Canon Law 919
- Children receive First Holy Communion when they have reached the age of reason and have been carefully prepared, after first Confession.Code of Canon Law 913–914
- The faithful are obliged to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days and to receive Communion at least once a year, if possible during the Easter season.CCC 1389
How to prepare
Prepare in body and soul to receive the Lord (CCC 1387).
Catechism classes
Children prepare for First Holy Communion in the parish catechism programme.
Confession
First Confession comes before First Holy Communion; adults confess grave sins before Communion.
Eucharistic fast
One hour without food or drink (water and medicine allowed).
Reverence
Silence, prayer and suitable dress express respect for Christ.
At Holy Family Co-Cathedral
The schedule and requirements of Holy Family Co-Cathedral, Kuwait City.
Parish details coming soon
The schedule and the requirements for this sacrament at Holy Family Co-Cathedral will be published here soon. Until then, please contact the parish office.
First Holy Communion in Kuwait
As currently published on this website by the Vicariate.
Schedule for First Holy Communion in Kuwait is made available in December and is published on the Parish Notices Page.
- The belief that the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Jesus and a desire to receive the Sacrament are essential to the reception of First Communion. Determining readiness is left to the discretion of the parents. The Clergy assisted by the Catechist or Sunday School Teachers will assist the parents so that an informed decision can be made. It is no longer presumed that just because a child is eight years of age he / she is ready to receive First Communion.
- Children must have completed at least 4 years of religious education (current year may be counted).
- A copy of your child’s Baptism Certificate is required.
- Faithful and consistent participation in Parish Catechism Classes conducted in the Vicariate. i.e. Kuwait City, Salmiya or Ahmadi is a must. If the child is visiting Kuwait, then a certificate of participation in Catechism Classes from his / her parish is mandatory for him/her to receive the Sacrament of Communion in Kuwait.
- Prior to the ceremony, parents will be required to attend a meeting. This meeting will provide instruction on how parents can prepare their children for the sacrament of Reconciliation and the sacrament of the Eucharist.