Holy Communion
THE EUCHARIST – SOURCE AND SUMMIT OF ECCLESIAL LIFE
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” (see Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324-1326)
Based on Jesus’ teaching, the Church encourages Catholics to receive frequent Communion, every day if possible, but at least once a year during the Easter season. In order to receive Communion, one must:
- be in a state of grace, having received sacramental confession since the last mortal sin
- believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation
- and observe a one-hour fast prior to receiving (if physically able).
Second Graders from our School and Religious Education program make their First Holy Communion (also called First Eucharist) in April or May. Parents should check the Religious Education calendar for information on the parent meetings, preparation, and the date of the First Eucharist Mass. The Sacramental Preparation Folder can be found below.