It means that person has received the Sacrament of the Eucharist, the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Most Catholic’s receive their First Communion when they're seven or eight years of age because this is considered the age of reason. Others can receive communion for the first time whenever they've met all the Church's requirements.

In order for anyone to receive communion, that person must be without sin and in a state of grace. Traditionally, a Catholic will make their first confession, or the Sacrament of Reconciliation prior to First Communion.

Confession isn't the only requirement for receiving the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. The Sacrament of Baptism must have been received as well. A child, or any person, who is not baptized cannot receive communion. If the child is baptized, she generally begins studying for First Communion in first grade. Those children who don't attend Catholic school go to religious instruction classes after school or on weekends. In most cases for young children, at least two years of religious education must be undertaken before they can receive communion for the first time.

There's more to a child's first communion than a pretty white dress and a family party. The event means that the children have studied and understood, to the best of their abilities, the mystery of transubstantiation, the changing of the substance of ordinary bread and wine into the substance of Christ's body and blood. A child should also be able to tell the difference between Eucharistic bread and regular food.

On the day of one's First Communion, and whenever receiving communion thereafter, those partaking must, out of respect for the body and blood of Christ, observe another rule: At least one hour before reception of the sacrament, they must fast, which means they may not eat any food. Taking water and medicine, however, are exceptions. After First Communion, young Catholics must attend church every Sunday, and they are encouraged to receive communion frequently, even weekly. If one has missed Sunday mass without good reason or has committed a mortal sin, that person is expected to go to confession before receiving communion again.

Preparation for Communion

O Lord, prepare my soul to receive You. You have said, "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me and I live in him: as I Myself draw life from the Father, so whoever eats Me will draw life from Me." I come to You now that I may draw life from You. Let me join You in this Mass in adoring and thanking our Heavenly Father, in making reparation for sin and begging for the graces I need to serve Him worthily and glorify Him daily more and more.

O God, you know our every thought and desire. Cleanse our hearts through Your Holy Spirit of all our hidden faults so that we may love You perfectly and praise You worthily.

My Jesus, I believe you are here present in the consecrated Host. Give me the faith of St. Peter to proclaim "You are Christ, the Son of the Living God"; the faith of St. Thomas to cry out, "My Lord and my God." Dear Lord, increase my faith.

My Jesus, I love you. I know that You "loved me and delivered Yourself for me." I know, too, that You long for my love in return. I want to love You as You desire; to love You with my whole mind and with all my strength. Give me the grace to love You more generously every day and to love, respect and help my neighbor for love of You.

Thanksgiving After Communion

O Jesus, I believe that in this holy sacrament of the Eucharist You have really and truly come into my inmost soul to share Your divine life with me. I believe because You have said it and Your word is true. May Your sacred body which I have received so transform me that no stain of sin may remain in me. May what I have received with my mouth, O Lord, dwell ever in my heart and from a passing benefit become an eternal reward.

My Lord and my God, I am happy to acknowledge that I cam from Your hands, that I depend on You for everything in time and eternity. Help me to live so that I may honor You more and more daily and die in Your love.

My Jesus, I thank you for coming to me. I know I could never deserve such an honor. May I live always in a spirit of gratitude for Your kindness to me. I now offer You all the thanksgiving of all the Masses that are being offered today and will ever be offered in the world. May You be blessed and praised forever in the Eucharist.

• May Your holiness purify me,
• Your wisdom direct me,
• Your power sustain me,
• Your mercy forgive me,
• Your patience bear with me and
• Your love prepare me, call me and receive me forever.