What is the Holy Eucharist?
[T]he Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (1 Corinthians 11:23-26 RSVCE)
These are the words of St. Paul to his flock in Corinth and to all Christians. Just as St. Paul and the other apostles believed, so Catholics to this day believe that at the words of Jesus Christ the bread and wine become his body and his blood. "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day'." (John 6:53-54)
The Holy Eucharist/Communion is the source and summit of the Christian faith. This sacrament not only nourishes us and spiritually prepares us for heaven, it also brings us into communion with one another and above all increases our communion with our Lord who gives us his life.
Who may receive Holy Communion?
Catholics and only those Catholics who have made their first Holy Communion, are in the state of grace, that is, free from all grave sins, and have followed the laws of fasting determined by the Church can come forward to recieve Holy Communion.
What do I, or my child(ren), need to do to receive first Holy Communion?
If you are an adult, call the parish office and mention you would like to prepare to receive first Holy Communion.
Children normally receive their first Holy Communion at the end of the second grade during the Easter Season. They are required to attend classes. Once they have passed the oral exam listed below given by the pastor, they may be admitted to Holy Communion.
Oral Exam Questions and Answers (Study Form) Click Here