Eucharist
After Jesus took the bread and said the blessing, he gave it to his disciples and he said, "This is my body which is given for you; do this in memory of me." - Luke 22:19
Nourished through Christ: The Sacrament of the Eucharist
The sacraments of initiation “ground the common vocation of all Christ's disciples, a vocation to holiness and to the mission of evangelizing the world. They confer the graces needed for the life according to the Spirit during this life as pilgrims on the march towards the homeland.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1533) The Eucharist (from the Greek word eucharistia, “thankfulness”) is the sacrament in which the true Body and Blood of Christ, who is truly and substantially present under the appearance of bread and wine, is received in Holy Communion.
Why do Catholics celebrate the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is called “the source and summit of the Christian life.” It is central to Catholic belief and practice because it memorializes Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, orienting all the Church, her people and sacraments toward the Eucharist – Christ himself. This sacrament completes Christian initiation in its fullness.
Who can receive the Eucharist?
Christians in full communion with the Catholic Church and in a state of grace may receive the Eucharist. (CCC 1385-1387, 1395, 1415)
Only validly ordained priests may preside at Mass and consecrate the Eucharist. (CCC 1411)
What happens during the Eucharistic liturgy?
The Mass has two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. In celebrating the Eucharistic liturgy:
- The gifts of bread and wine are brought to the altar.
- The priest prepares the gifts of bread and wine, offering prayers that the host (bread) will become the bread of life and the wine will become our spiritual drink. After each, the people respond “Blessed be God for ever.”
- The priest then consecrates the host and wine, recalling Christ’s words: “Do this in memory of me.”
- The consecration concludes as the priest, in prayer, calls to mind the passion, resurrection and promised return of Christ at the end of time. The priest and the people then pray for the whole Church, the living and the dead, and for those who lead the Church.
- Then the priest invites those who will receive Communion to come forward.
Want to Register your Child?
Is your child in the grades 1st thru 5th and wants to start their journey to getting their 1st communion? Register your child for ROOT, it is the first year of the program.
Has your child already finished their 1st year towards getting their 1st Communion (ROOT) or is your child in the 6th-8th grade? Register your child for MEND & NOURISH, it is their second and final year of preparation for their 1st Communion.
Has your child completed or is completing their 1st Communion, but want them to keep learning about their faith? Register them for Faith Formation so they can continue their learning about the Catholic Church and our faith.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can my child(ren) start?
Typically children start when they are seven (7) or entering the 1st grade.
For students that are enrolled in Catholic school they may join in 2nd grade, and start in year 2.
What if my child or children are older ?
Children may join us, and enroll in the program at any time. They would go through the same two year process.
What if my child or children are not baptized?
We can enroll your child or children in the Faith Formation program, and also take the steps to arrange their Baptism.
When and where are the classes?
All classes are typically held on Sundays during the school year following the 8:30 Mass, they are held at St. Catherine School.
Is there required parent participation?
Yes, students are required to have an adult accompany them through the process. It is not required that they are a parent, but they do need to be actively involved in the child's faith life.
Why is it two years?
The program is designed to be over two years to adequately have the child become familiar with our faith, and have full understanding as well as participation in the sacrament.