Do I need to get my formal "First Communion" ceremony?

Question

I am a Baptized Roman Catholic. When I was younger, I was sent to a Christian school so I was not able to properly receive my First Communion.

As a teenager, not knowing any better, I received the Eucharist and continued to do so for at least 4 years. At that time I did not even know why I was receiving the Eucharist. When I realized that I haven't had my "First Communion" ceremony, I stopped receiving.

My question is, do I still need to have my formal "First Communion" or may I continue to receive the communion provided that I confess?

Please no anti-Catholic answers. Roman Catholic responses only. Thank you very much!

Answer 1

Well, you should talk to your priest.  I think you may need to go into an RCIA program, go to Confession and then Eucharist.  I think you ought not to receive the Eucharist any more until you have received the sacrament of Penance first.  

Answer 2

I am not Catholic anymore (I am a born again Christian), but I was a sunday school teacher. I am really sure that you were suppose to take classes for at least your confirmation, because it is considered a big spiritual step. You are going to "reaffirm " your baptismal vows and take spiritual responsibilities (making you accountable for your actions). Usually the bishop of your city will do the honors. You could take the alpha course at a local church. But you probably should talk to the priest of your Parish and tell him your situation. You won't get scolded or anything, so don't be shy.I wouldn't worry about taking about communion before your ceremony. As long as you confess , you aren't breaking any church rules. Again, just talk to the priest, you'll see everything will be fine.

Good luck:)

Ps. Don't feel bad. When I was a Catholic, there was a man who wasn't even baptised in the Church (his parents never did it) and he wanted to get married in the Church, so the priest in a parish told him to take the alpha course and he did like all the sacraments at the same time, basically.

Answer 3

You probably should talk to a priest about this and perhaps join the RCIA.  The sacrament is Penance, not First Communion, if I remember correctly.

What did the priest say the first time you went to Confession?  I assume that you told him all this....?

Answer 4

Speak with your Priest, you should really go though the classes so you will understand more.  Then you will have a better understanding of the Eucharist, and what it means to receive the Host.

Have said a prayer for you.

Answer 5

Honestly, I'm not sure. Ask your parish priest. You can probably make your "First" Communion with the students when the school has it's yearly ceremony. That's what my husband did when he converted. Good luck to you.

Answer 6

properly receive communion? where in the bible does it speak of all of the rituals catholics have to do to receive communion? i don't remember reading any of that stuff in the book of Corinthians. it's a Catholic thing...not a biblical thing.

I'm a christian and i PROPERLY received communion.

Answer 7

No, that is a Catholic thing, not a Biblical thing. It is a man made religion thing, not a God breathed Christianity thing. Don't worry about it.

Answer 8

The link below takes you to a person who was in the same position and had the same questions as you.

A wonderful read.

Answer 9

Yes, you need the training!   Not only do the classes cover 1st communion, they cover other parts of Catholicism as well.  This includes information all Sacraments including Confirmation which I imagine you are about the age for receiving as well.

Don't sweat having received without realizing it.  You aren't the first and won't be the last who is confused.  I would contact the priest of your local parish or the director of religious education.  Most likely you will be enrolled in a special class with a few other students or it will be one on one.

The Sacrament of 1st Eucharist is an important milestone and declaration of being Catholic.  Don't skip it.  It is a moment that you will remember always.

Answer 10

Coming from my mother who has been a First Communion teacher for 30+ years.

She said that it is very important that you stop receiving Communion until you fully understand that is it Jesus' real presence. It is not a good thing to receive it unworthily, but the fact that you have a desire to do the right thing shows that you are being filled with grace. The whole point of First Communion classes are to make sure that you fully understand what you are receiving and the faith to know that it is Jesus' presence.  

I would talk with my Priest and he can direct you into the proper classes.  Mom has this happen on a regular basis.  If they happen to be children they join her in her class (2nd grade).  But if they are older, she can teach them separately so it is not on a 2nd grade level.  I hope this helps! Keep seeking and praying!  

Answer 11

I suggest that you go talk to your priest.  It may be good to take classes on the Eucharist in order to fully understand the Sacrament.  It might be a good idea to refrain from Communion until the priest or the Religious Education director says that you are prepared well enough.

Answer 12

First you need to be blessed by a Baptist, and then you can take all the d**n holy wafers you can cram into your cheeks.

And each time you need to read Judges 14:19, for extra points in heaven.