Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist – which is also called “the Mass,” “the Lord’s Supper” and “the Divine Liturgy” – is the source and summit of our parish life. In it, the Risen Christ makes himself present to us in a very special way. In the Eucharist, the bread becomes his body which we eat, and the wine becomes his blood which we drink. Through our sharing in the Eucharist we grow more perfectly into the image and likeness of Christ himself.

When Catholics gather to celebrate the Mass we, as disciples of Jesus, listen to the Word of God and are invited to put it into practice in our lives. Then, with Christ we offer our lives to God the Father as we pray for the good of all people. We are then nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Having been fed at this holy banquet we are sent to be witnesses to Christ’s love to the wider world.

The Holy Eucharist is celebrated numerous times every weekend and during the week. Please be sure to check the parish liturgy schedule. Mass times may vary on holydays, special feast days (e.g. Christmas & Easter) and during the Season of Lent.

Children who were baptized as infants usually receive the Eucharist for the first time (First Communion) around the age of seven or eight, after a period of instruction and preparation which includes the participation of their parents. Baptized adults who have not yet received First Communion  prepare to do so with other adults through our parish R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.

Holy Communion is brought to parishioners who are sick, shut in or otherwise unable to come to Mass, by the parish priests and lay ministers of Holy Communion. Please be sure to notify the parish office regarding a specific need. Parishioners who are hospitalized should first notify the Pastoral Care Office of the hospital to assure the reception of Holy Communion through the hospital’s Catholic chaplaincy.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist, along with Baptism and Confirmation, are called the Sacraments of Initiation. For a more detailed explanation of the Sacrament of Eucharist from the Catechism of the Catholic Church please click here.