Eucharist / Communion

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

Receiving This Sacrament

Preparation for First Communion takes place during the 2nd Grade and is coordinated by our Director of Religious Education.


In addition to regular Sunday School classes, monthly classes focused on the Eucharist take place throughout the year, leading up to the reception of the sacrament in May.

 

Although, we normally receive Communion during Mass, if someone is homebound by illness, a Priest, Deacon or Extraoardinary Minister of the Eucharist will bring the Eucharist to that person. Simply contact one of our priests to make arrangements.

 

Insights & References

We believe that Jesus Christ is fully present – Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. The bread and wine are not symbols, but signs of his Real Presence.

The Church asks two simple things from each of us in order to receive the Eucharist. First, we must be in a state of grace – free from all serious sin. Second, we must fast from all food and drink (other than water or medications) for one hour prior to receiving.

You may receive the Eucharist in the hand or on the tongue. It is appropriate to make a gesture of reverence prior to receiving the Eucharist, such as bowing the head. The priest, deacon, or Extraordinary Minister will say, “The Body of Christ,” and the correct response is “Amen.” When offered “The Blood of Christ”, the response is again “Amen.”

I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world.” — John 6:51
At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.” — CCC #1322-1323