Session 1: Growing in God's Grace

We have a God who wants to relate to us and loves us. God is with us!

Grace is the gift of God's life and help. When you receive the sacraments, God’s life in you grows. You grow in love for him and others. You receive God’s grace.     

This year you are preparing for the Sacrament of First Holy Communion! 

Discuss: What is so special about receiving Holy Communion? 

Holy Communion is one of seven Sacraments in which we receive the gift of God's grace, (help and friendship). Watch this video about all 7 Sacraments: 

Discuss: What Sacraments do you see in the video? Which Sacrament(s) have you already received? Which Sacraments have you witnessed others receiving? Talk about it with an adult. 

 

Let's focus on the Sacrament of Holy Communion since you will receive this Sacrament for the first time this year. The following story explains more about Holy Communion:

 

 

 

During his life, Jesus taught people about the love of God through his words and actions. In the next video, we hear the Gospel story of how Jesus takes care of the people who follow him by feeding a crowd of 5,000. 

Parents:  If you would like to read the Bible story with your children, it is located in Luke 9:10-17.

 

 

 

 

That day long ago, Jesus performed a miracle, feeding his followers bread and fish. Jesus knew

that people don't just need food for their bodies; they also need food for their spirits, so they will be 

strong enough to bring the love of God to others. That's why Jesus continues to feed his followers  

spiritually at Mass through the Sacrament of Holy Communion, giving us the strength to love like 

he did through his REAL PRESENCE in the Eucharist. 

  

Parents: Read Luke 22:7-20 (The Last Supper) from the Bible with your children. 

Let's learn more about The Last Supper and its connection to The Mass.

Lesson Challenge: Next Sunday at Mass, ask your child to listen for familiar words from the Bible story: The Last Supper.

 

Jesus is the Son of God. That means he is fully human and fully God. In the Mass, he gives us his 

Body and his Blood. The word “communion” means “to join.” When we eat the Eucharist and drink the 

wine, we are joined to Jesus and he lives in our hearts. The power of the Holy Spirit changes the 

bread and wine into Jesus’ real presence. This is a mystery! No one fully understands this 

mysterious gift from God! When Mass is over, the priest places the bread that has been changed

into the Body of Christ in the Tabernacle, a special and holy place in the church. When the 

Sanctuary Lamp above the Tabernacle is lit, this means that Jesus is really present in the 

tabernacle in the form of the Eucharist. 

Let's learn more about Jesus' presence in the Eucharist-

Discuss: If my heart is joined to Jesus in the Eucharist, what might I be able to accomplish or do in 

the world? Where do I get the amazing gift of the Eucharist? How often can I get this gift? 

 

 

Through the Mass, Jesus continues to care for us through the grace of his presence with us in Holy Communion. Jesus gave us the gift of Holy Communion at The Last Supper. Every time we participate in Mass and receive Holy Communion, we are joined with Jesus so that his love can reach others through our thoughts and deeds. 

Discuss: What can a person do to show that Jesus is living in his/her heart?

 

Home Study Students: Don't forget to click and answer: Exit Ticket