SANFORD — It’s a tradition that’s been passed down for centuries by Catholics and a rite of passage for school children and families alike.

Children attending Saint Thomas Catholic School in Sanford and across York County are studying and preparing to make their First Communion this spring. In Sanford, the big event takes place during the 11 a.m. Mass at Holy Family Church on Sunday, May 27.

First Communion is a significant ceremonial tradition for Catholic families and individuals.

Here in Maine, the Catholic Bishop requires children to undergo a two-year program before they can receive First Communion, in which they learn the basics of Catholic sacraments, because it is a highly important and meaningful process.

“Families look forward to seeing their child receive the Body and Blood of Jesus for the first time. It is central to the Catholic tradition because it announces that this person can now receive the body and blood of our Lord,” said Bishop Robert J. Deely of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. “Jesus offers us his body and blood in the forms of bread and wine, and in doing so we are mystically united to him and to the entire body of Christ, the Church, and the people of God.”

Deeley said devout worshippers can always find the strength and grace to be faithful to what they believe is their way of life from gathering at the Eucharist to hear Jesus speak through his word.

“We are nourished by his gift of his body and blood in Communion, our food for the journey,” he said.

Students at St. Thomas typically begin preparation during first and second grades at the beginning of the school year, where they are part of a religion class every day throughout the school year.

During this instruction, the basics of the sacraments are mainly taught to the young students and then the following year they attend four to six family sessions to prepare for First Communion.

Among some Christian faiths, First Communion is a ceremony in which a person receives the Eucharist, or the consecreated body of Christ in wafer form, for the first time. It occurs only after children have been baptized, and once the person has reached the age of reason, usually around the second grade. 

“It’s so special because these kids have been attending Mass with their parents and possibly their older siblings, but they have never received First Communion, so now they can come forward and recieve the Body and Blood of Jesus themselves.” said Helene Fortier, a retired Catholic school teacher.

For Catholics, Holy Communion is the third of seven sacraments received and the sacrament of First Communion is an important tradition. Sacraments are defined as an outward sign of the invisible spiritual reality of God. 

Besides First Communion, other sacraments are Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation/Penance, Holy Matrimony, Holy Orders and Anointing of the Sick or Last Rites.

So First Communion is among the first steps for a student to a lifetime of faith and religion within the Catholic Church. 

“It really should be something special and important,” said Shelly Carpenter, the Parish Catechetical leader of the Saint Therese Catholic Church. “It not only helps the children, it also helps their families, learn their faith.”