First Eucharist
First Eucharist at St. Ignatius of Loyola
This sacred journey is designed for baptized Catholic children in second grade or older who are ready to take the next steps in their faith by receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. Rooted in the teachings of the Church and guided by the directives of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and the Archdiocese of Baltimore, our program provides families with a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith together. Through prayer, learning, and community, we are honored to accompany your child as they prepare to encounter Christ more deeply through the Eucharist.
Preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist
Receiving First Holy Communion is a joyful and sacred milestone for both children and their families. This special moment marks a child’s first reception of the Eucharist at the altar and deepens their journey of faith.
As part of this preparation, children will learn about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, the significance of the Mass, and the importance of reverence and participation in the liturgy. Through prayer, instruction, and reflection, they will develop a deeper understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and His call to live a life of faith and love.
Steps to Prepare Your Child for First Holy Communion
To be eligible for the Sacramental Preparation Program, families must meet the following requirements:
Faith Formation Requirement
Your child must have completed one full year of Faith Formation in either a parish-based program or a Catholic school during the previous year.
Your child must currently be enrolled in a Faith Formation program at either our parish or a Catholic school.
Baptismal Certificate Submission
If your child was not baptized at St. Ignatius, you will need to submit a copy of their Baptismal Certificate.
Participation & Completion
Attendance and full completion of all program requirements are necessary for your child to receive First Holy Communion.
We look forward to supporting your child and family through this meaningful and faith-filled journey. If you have any questions, please contact our parish office.