First Holy Communion or First Eucharist is the common name for a person's first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist.
The Eucharist is, for Catholics, both a meal and a sacrifice. The Lord gave us the Eucharist at the Last Supper because he wanted us to share in the life of the Trinity, the loving communion of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Making the First Eucharist is like a toddler’s move from high chair to the family table which brings new privileges and new responsibilities; he or she now claims a new status: "big boy" or "big girl". Therefore he or she can now share fully in the family meal, and in the table conversation.
Generally, children between 7-8 years old will celebrate their first Holy Communion, which is the first time they will participate in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, or the sharing of the bread and wine.
You can help your children understand and appreciate the Eucharist--and thus prepare for First Communion--if you relate it to their lives. Familiar, ordinary realities that kids already value can be conversation-starters for exploring the meaning of the Eucharist with them. Check out some ways to help prepare your child for first communion at Beliefnet.com.