Holy Communion
As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist (Holy Communion) is the real presence of Jesus Christ and that He lovingly offers Himself as spiritual nourishment with each celebration of the Mass. This intimate exchange with our Lord stengthens us spiritually and brings us closer to God. It also increases our capacity to love one another more fully and to live in Christian community.
First Holy Communion
Children typically make their First Holy Communion when they are in the second grade. They must complete at least one year of formal religious eduction prior to receiving the sacrament according to the Diocese of Charlotte. Children registered in Catholic schools must also register with St. Matthew Faith Formation Office to prepare to receive the sacraments.
St. Matthew offers a sacramental preparation course designed to be taught by parents in addition to their classes at school and/or faith formation. Parents are required to attend two theological parent meetings and two parent/child retreats. One parent is required to attend a first reconciliation sacramental update in September and first Eucharist sacramental update in January of the sacramental preparation year. Attendance to a parent/child retreat for each sacrament is also required. A copy of the child’s baptismal certificate must be on file in the Faith Formation Office prior to receiving a sacrament.
For more information about First Holy Communion for children, please contact Diane Kiradjieff, Coordinator of First Sacraments, at 704-541-8362 x 5.
Adults who are interested in receiving the Sacraments of Initiation (Baptism, Reconciliation and/or First Holy Communion), please contact Tom Lindemuth, Coordinator of the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA), at 704-543-7677 x1045.
