FIRST COMMUNION
Church law “requires that [children] have sufficient knowledge and careful preparation so that they understand the mystery of Christ according to their capacity and are able to receive the body of Christ with faith and devotion” (Canon 913) and “It is primarily the duty of parents and those who take the place of parents, as well as the duty of pastors, to take care that children are refreshed with this divine food as soon as possible.” (Canon 914)
Therefore preparation is open to any child age 7 or older. Children need to register in the appropriate religious education/sacramental preparation classes. Parents need to be active and registered parishioners.
FIRST RECONCILIATION
“Church law states that sacramental confession is to precede reception of communion. However, one is to confess serious sin prior to receiving communion only if one is conscious of such sin. Parents may decide that their child is not ready for the sacrament of [reconciliation] before first [communion].” (Diocese of Reno Guidelines for Sacramental Preparation).
Children are not always conscious of having committed serious sin, which means that children do not need to formally make a “First Reconciliation” prior to First Communion if the parents feel that the child is not prepared. However, it is recommended that parents and children regularly participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation, whether it be within the context of Advent and Lenten services, or during regularly scheduled times.
La PRIMERA COMUNION