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Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said,
“Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which
will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26: 26-29
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The Holy Eucharist In The Catholic Church
The celebration of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. At the Last Supper, Christ Jesus told his disciples as he lifted the bread, "Take and eat; this is my body." Similarly, Christ lifted the chalice saying “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood.”
During Mass, we continue what Christ taught his disciples knowing that the bread and wine are transformed into the true presence of Christ. The Mass is a feast where we remember Christ’s sacrifice and encounter his real presence in the Eucharist. As Christ promised his church, it is in receiving him that we will truly live.
In addition to receiving Christ in the Eucharist, the church offers the opportunity to spend extended time in the presence of Christ through the practice of Eucharistic Adoration. In adoration, the faithful have the opportunity pray and worship Christ in the Eucharist. Some parishes offer Eucharistic Adoration occasionally or daily, and others even offer Perpetual Adoration. -
First Communion Process
Catechesis
Parishes conduct their own First Communion preparation programs for Children. Preparation typically involves Catechesis through Religious Education classes.
Penance & Reconciliation
When receiving the Sacrament of First Communion, one must be free from the bondage of sin, especially mortal sin. Unless one is receiving First Communion immediately following Baptism, participating in sacramental confession is a necessary part of First Communion Preparation (Canon 914). Besides being necessary, it is a wonderful practice to experience regularly, in order to make that tangible reality of God's forgiveness a regular part of our lives! Parishes should make sure that those who are baptized at a later age are given opportunities to begin the practice of Confession. -
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Resources
Eucharistic celebrations are governed by the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, last revised in 2008, with US adaptations approved in 2010. Information on the appropriate celebration of the Sunday Eucharist can be found in the following bulletin inserts:
English Files- Q and A Part 1
- Q and A Part 2
- Foundations Part 1
- Foundations Part 2
- Order Mass Part 1
- Order Mass Part 2
- Order Mass Part 3
Spanish Files
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