Eucharist

The Eucharist is act of thanksgiving to God. The Greek word eucharistein—“to give thanks”—recalls the Jewish mealtime blessings that proclaim God's works: creation, redemption, and sanctification.

We must therefore consider the Eucharist as:

• a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to God the Father;
• the memorial of Christ’s Passover, that is, the salvation accomplished by his death and resurrection
• the real presence of Christ—body, blood, soul, and divinity—by the power of his word and of his Spirit.
• the sacrament of unity, by which we, the church, more perfectly become the Body of Christ for the world

Eligible students will receive the Eucharist for the first time during regular Mass times on the first weekend of May. Preparation will take place throughout the school year, including the student’s first celebration of the Sacrament of Penance (confession), which will take place at special penance services in November. In accordance with Archdiocesan guidelines, a student may be considered eligible to receive the Eucharist if he or she:

1. Is a baptized Catholic who attends Mass regularly
2. Is in the 2nd grade or older
3. Received religious education during the previous school year, either at a Catholic school or in a parish program.
4. Is also enrolled in religious education for the current school year, either at a Catholic school or a parish program.

Adults over 18, non-baptized adults, and baptized Catholics who desire to embrace the Catholic faith and receive the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Confirmation are invited to participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA.)

For more information on first sacraments (reconciliation and communion) preparation for children and adults contact Drew Denton or Alicia Guerrero.