The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of the life of the Church, and it's the source and summit of our Catholic Faith. It is called "Eucharist" because it is an act of thanksgiving to God. Receiving Holy Communion worthily brings us graces that affect us both spiritually and physically. Holy Communion also gives us a spiritual joy in the service of Christ, in defending His cause, in performing the duties of our state of life, and in making the sacrifices required of us in imitating the life of our Savior. On Christ's own promise, Holy Communion is a pledge of heavenly glory, and of our bodily resurrection from the dead (John 6:55).
As children reach the age of reason, generally around age seven, the Latin Rite of the Catholic Church extends to them the invitation to celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The initiation into the Christian community that took place at Baptism is further extended by inviting children to enter fully into the heart of Christian faith through participation in the Eucharist. Children in the Diocese of Charlotte are able to celebrate First Holy Communion during second grade per the following guidelines:
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