Received Eucharist before "First Communion"?

[Arashijing]

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?

Just to be concise: I received the Eucharist before but never attended a formal “First Communion” ceremony. Then I stopped because I wasn’t sure. So do I need to go through the ceremony or continue receiving anyways? Thanks!

 

[LilyM]

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?

Just to be concise: I received the Eucharist before but never attended a formal “First Communion” ceremony. Then I stopped because I wasn’t sure. So do I need to go through the ceremony or continue receiving anyways? Thanks!

This is probably best discussed with your priest.

At least you need (if you haven’t had already) proper instruction in the significance of the Eucharist and all the other instruction that someone about to make their First Communion would receive. Even if you don’t need to go through a ceremony of ‘First Holy Communion’.

 

[DebChris]

When my daughter received her First Communion. The priest referred to the celebration as “First Solemn Communion.” This was a recognition that some children had managed to receive the host even before they understood what it meant, before any formal instruction.
I would agree with Lily that this is an issue best discussed with your priest if you want to go through a formal First Solemn Communion.
The First Solemn Communion is also what it was called before the age was changed from twelve to seven.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

I would guess that you have not been confirmed either. Speak to your priest. He can advise you how to prepare for both.

 

[ac_claire]

I can only echo what the others have said: this is one you have to talk over with your priest.

Most likely you’ll go to confession and then you can go to Communion again at your next Mass. The ceremonial First Holy Communion is usually waived when the communicant is past childhood anyhow.

I had already received communion once prior to my FHC, accidentally. When I was 15 years old I got baptised and went up for my official FHC in one day. It was at a regular mass and I went up in the line with everyone else.

Hope this helps, and God bless you!

 

[Arashijing]

I talked to our parish priest earlier and said that it’s okay for me to receive the Holy Eucharist. But he also reminded me that I need to work on my Confirmation and get registered for the RCIA right away. Will do.

I was so happy to hear the wonderful news. I haven’t received the Eucharist in years so in celebration of my “First Communion” ("First"meaning my first-time knowing what the Holy Eucharist is truly for and how to properly prepare to receive Him), I’ll go to communion in my First Latin Mass. I’m thinking of Sunday next week so I can prepare more properly. (Disclaimer: Subject to change according to God’s plan for me that week. LOL).

Now I need to learn the basics of the Latin Mass (I have the books “Latin Mass Explained” by Msgr. Moorman and “The Hidden Treasure” by St. Leonard & some Latin Mass videos online) OR else I will ruin the solemnity by constantly referring to the missal/rubrics or whatnot–try to minimize as much rumbling as possible.

Thank you everyone for your help! God Bless!

 

[puzzleannie]

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?

Just to be concise: I received the Eucharist before but never attended a formal “First Communion” ceremony. Then I stopped because I wasn’t sure. So do I need to go through the ceremony or continue receiving anyways? Thanks!

there is no specific ceremony, other than receiving one’s first communion in the context of a Sunday Mass, or at times another Mass scheduled with one’s peers.

you have already received first communion, but it now sounds as if you are in need of mystagogy–study of the mystery, in other words, hey what happened? for a better understanding of the Sacrament. and of course, prep for Confirmation. What you did not have that is required before first communion, is first confession, and that must be remedied.

i am assuming you are a baptized Catholic. if neither of those is true, you need RCIA to complete your Christian initation through whatever is lacking. please see your priest today, discuss your status with him (too many variables involved for us to be much help to you, and some pastoral questions only he can answer).