Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). During the Mass, we gather around the Lord’s table and remember Christ’s Passion, sacrifice on the cross, His Resurrection, and His Ascension as Jesus instructed us during the Last Supper.
As Catholics, we believe in transubstantiation - the transformation of bread and wine into the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. We ask that only “properly disposed” Catholics receive Holy Communion. This means that the receiving of Jesus’ Body and Blood is set aside for Catholics who are in right relationship with God and with one another. The intention here is not to dissuade anyone from receiving Communion; rather, it is an invitation to heal what is broken, creating a suitable environment for Jesus. The Church recommends going to Confession regularly prior to receiving Communion during Mass.
Children are generally prepared to receive their first Holy Communion when they reach the second grade, following Baptism and Reconciliation. They are prepared through a special program and must already be attending religious education classes or attending Catholic grade school. If your child wishes to make his/her First Reconciliation/ First Eucharist, please complete this First Eucharist PDF form and return it to Daria Kaas at the Religious Education Office. (If you can’t open the PDF, please download the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.) Older children may be prepared separately from the second graders. For further information, please contact the Religious Education Office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 234.
Adults who wish to be initiated into the sacrament of Holy Communion should contact the Religious Education Office at (410) 744-6560, ext. 234.