Is First Holy Communion a ritual?

The first Holy Communion as we understand it today occurred when Jesus was about to die. He went to a room with his disciples and during a meal he took a cup, filled with wine and said This is my blood, the blood of the new covenant, poured out for many for the remission of sins. Before this he took some bread, gave it to his disciples, and said, "Take it and eat, this is my body. Then he said we must do this same thing until he comes back again.

A First Holy Communion is very special, the parents usually invite the whole family, little girls get dressed up almost like brides in white with a veil and gloves. Little boys get a suit. The church is usually full, after Mass there are congratulations and a lot of picture taking, a reception in the parish hall, and many families have a party at home with all the visiting relatives. It is a very special day in a young person's life when they actually are old enough to understand that they actually receive Jesus in Holy Communion, they have been studying all year and have made their first Confession right before this.