First Holy Communion Gifts and Medals.

First Holy Communion is one of the most important occasions celebrated in the Catholic religion and along with Baptism and Confirmation is considered the Sacraments of Initiation. These sacraments are the foundation of Christian life and help strengthen the relationship with Christ and invites participants to reexamine the goals and meaning of their lives. It is during First Holy Communion that we receive the Holy Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, for the first time. First Communion gifts are typically given to commemorate this special day. These devotional First Holy Communion gifts which might be cross or rosary bracelet help the newly initiated display their faith to the community and remind the wearer God's presence with us.

The rite of First Holy Communion traditionally occurs at age seven or eight during the Easter season. By this time the children have participated in classes where they learned about the major events in Christ's life and committed themselves to their Catholic faith. They understand that through the power of the Holy Spirit the bread and wine at communion become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The reception of the Eucharist nourishes the relationship with Jesus and strengthens one to follow him more closely. Prior to receiving First Communion, candidates must also participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation as they must be free of sin. This sacrament can be received by adults as long as they have met all the same requirements including Baptism.

In honor of the participants receiving First Holy Communion a special mass is celebrated. The children are more involved in the ceremony, often doing the readings and bring forth the First Holy Communion gifts. They sit closest to the alter and are the first of the congregation to receive communion. They approaches the alter where the priest will place the Eucharist on their tongue or hand saying "This is the body of Christ". The participants are then offered to drink from the cup the holds "the blood of Christ". After receiving communion the participate returns to their pew, kneel and pray until the congregation finishes receiving communion. The children traditionally wear special outfits to signify the importance of the occasion. Girls typically wear white dresses and veils while boys wear suits or blazers.

After Mass, families often have large parties to celebrate the occasion. A variety of foods, a special cake and First Communion gifts are traditionally involved. Family members often give the celebrant a saint medal, a favorite among First Holy communion gifts, as it is believed that the saint can act as intercessor on behalf of the child and protect and pray for them. First Communion is an integral part of a person's ongoing religious experience and helps one strive to lead a Christ like life.