First Holy Communion is a rite of passage for young catholics. This ceremony marks the child's understanding of and responsibility for the Sacrement. Children may prepare for the event in a classroom environment or may be selected by the Priest as he feels a child is ready to receive Communion. Traditionally, young girls at First Holy Communion will wear a veil and white gloves.

As First Holy Communion marks a spiritual maturation of the child whereby responsibility of being a good catholic is confirmed; this is a serious event. Dress should be modest and respectful. Boys will wear a dark colored suit that is their best or purchase a new suit for the occasion. Girls will traditionally where all white in a below the knee or tea length dress. Sleeves are necessary, and sleeveless dresses should be paired with a coordinating sweater or formal jacket that matches the dress as perfectly as possible.

"While a child's First Communion should be memorable and very beautiful, it should, above all, be holy and with all priorities in place. On the more fundamental and profound level, First Communion is an initiation into one of the Great Mysteries. Parents should prepare the child by firmly grounding him in basic catechesis. While it's the priest's decision as to whether or not your child is adequately prepared, it is your job as a parent or godparent to do the preparing; it is the parents and godparents who are ultimately responsible for the Catholic education of the child. The child should understand what transubstantiation is. He should know that God, Who created all things -- the Sun and Moon and Stars -- is able to speak things into reality, and that at the Mass, this is what God, through His priest does. The child should understand that though the accidents of bread and wine remain, what the bread and wine truly become is Sacrament. They will learn all of this best by watching the adults around them..."

"As to preparation for the Rite itself, parents and godparents should consider the natural intimidation that most children experience in such formal circumstances (especially if the child is receiving his First Communion alone) and affirm their child emotionally, letting them know it's OK to be nervous. A "practice-run" with everyday, ordinary bread might be helpful, 2 with the parent or godparent showing the child the proper posture and gesture. Anticipate the child's questions ("What will it taste like?" for example) and encourage the child to express any concerns and fears he might have. Teach him to pray the sentiments expressed in the Anima Christi prayer, if not the prayer itself, after receiving the Host. Perhaps getting a holy card that contains this prayer, or writing the prayer out for him on a small piece of paper so he can refer to it after Communion will help." (source: Being Catholic, www.fisheaters.com).

A fun fact we found is that Necco candy wafers were once used for "practice" First Holy Communions. American Catholic schools would use Necco candy wafers for this very thing. Necco also makes the traditional "Mary Jane" heart shaped candies imprinted with sentimental words (also called conversation hearts) for St. Valentine's Day.