When can children receive First Holy Communion ?

Children may receive Holy Communion when they have a desire to receive Jesus, are learning about the Catholic faith and are going to mass regularly and faithfully. 

At St. Joseph Church we follow the sacramental guidelines of the Diocese of Paterson.  When children reach the age of reason, around 7 years of age, and when they have completed one full year of  religious education, they may enroll in the preparation process for the Sacraments  of Penance and Holy Communion.  This process we call A Child’s Path to Holy Communion.  It begins in the Fall with preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Penance, followed by preparation for the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Click here to see the sacramental policy of our parish:  Parish Sacramental Policy