Holy Communion
The sacraments of Christian initiation – Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist – lay the foundations of every Christian life. Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ’s Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.
Holy Communion: Sacrament Of Christian Initiation
HOLY COMMUNION: The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church’s life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church. The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, that is, of the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, a work made present by the liturgical action. 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.
The information above as well as additional information about the Sacraments of the Church can be found at: The USCCB Website
Where is the Eucharist in Scripture?
Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22,24, Luke 22;19-20, John 6, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 and many more!
Resources
Has your child been baptized but hasn’t received his or her First Holy Communion? They’re always welcome! You’ll need to get in contact with your local parish to set this up.
Have you been baptized (in the Catholic Church or another Christian church) and desire to receive or learn more about Holy Communion? We welcome you! Our Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) contains classes and teachings on Holy Communion and other topics that are necessary for full formation in the faith.
Have you been away from the Church for a while and/or aren’t sure if you’re able to receive Holy Communion? Know that you’re always welcome back and God’s Love and Mercy are available to you! In order to be as worthy as we can be to receive our Blessed Lord in the Eucharist, we must receive God’s Forgiveness of our sins in the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. It is mandatory that our souls must be free of mortal sin before receiving Holy Communion.
First Holy Communion Prep
A video teaching by Bishop Edward Rice to be viewed by those preparing for the sacrament, their parents, and catechists.