Eucharist

Food For The Journey

The Eucharist is the beating heart of our Catholic faith. It is not merely a symbol or a reminder; it is Jesus Christ Himself. As the Catechism teaches, the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of our Christian life (CCC 1324).

At every Mass, a profound miracle takes place. Through the hands of the priest and the power of the Holy Spirit, simple bread and wine are transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This mystery, known as transubstantiation, means that Christ is present in a "true, real, and substantial manner" (CCC 1413). When we approach the altar, we are not just remembering the Last Supper; we are receiving the Living God who strengthens us for our daily journey.

The Celebration of the Mass

The Mass is the family gathering of God’s people. It is divided into two great tables from which we are fed:

  • The Liturgy of the Word: We listen to God speak to us through the Scriptures, responding with the Psalms and professing our faith.

  • The Liturgy of the Eucharist: We bring our gifts to the altar, join in the perfect sacrifice of Christ, and share in the holy meal that binds us together as one Body.

"I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever." — Gospel of John 6:51

Preparing to Receive Christ

To receive the Eucharist is to receive Christ Himself. The Church asks us to approach this sacred gift with proper disposition, reverence, and preparation.

State of Grace: To receive Holy Communion, one must be in a state of grace. If you are aware of having committed a mortal sin, you must first receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).

Eucharistic Fast: One must fast from all food and drink (except for water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion.

Reverence: We show our belief in the Real Presence through our reverence. A simple bow of the head before receiving the Eucharist is a beautiful sign of this reverence.

First Holy Communion

Preparing Your Child for the Table of the Lord

Receiving Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time is a momentous occasion in the life of a child. At St. Anthony’s and OLPH, we are dedicated to preparing your family for this beautiful encounter.

Most children receive First Holy Communion in 2nd Grade, after a period of preparation. If your child is older or you are an adult seeking Communion, we have a place for you too!

For your convenience, please use the Inquiry Form on this page.

Steps to Follow

  1. Register with the Parish:
    Families must be registered, active members of St. Anthony’s or OLPH.

  2. Enroll in Religious Ed:
    Children typically enroll in 1st Grade to begin the two-year preparation cycle.

  3. Receive Reconciliation:
    Children will prepare for and receive First Confession before their First Communion.

Required Documents

Please have these ready before you register for class:

  • Baptismal Certificate:
    A copy is required to prove your child was baptized in the Catholic faith.

  • Note: If your child was baptized here at St. Anthony’s, we already have this on file.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, absolutely. This is a core teaching of our faith. We believe that through the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine are truly changed into the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. This is not a symbol; it is the Real Presence of Christ Himself, as He taught: "I am the living bread... whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world" (John 6:51).

  • The Catholic Church teaches that anyone who desires to receive Christ must be in a "state of grace." If we are aware of having committed a mortal (serious) sin, we must receive absolution in the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion (CCC 1415).

  • We welcome our fellow Christians and visitors to join us in prayer! However, because the Eucharist is a sign of our complete unity in faith, doctrine, and leadership, those who are not fully united with the Catholic Church are asked not to receive Communion. We invite you instead to cross your arms over your chest to receive a blessing.

  • To receive the Eucharist is to be in intimate union with Jesus, who is all-holy. St. Paul warns us to examine ourselves before receiving, "for anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself" (1 Corinthians 11:29). The Sacrament of Reconciliation restores our state of grace, healing our relationship with God so we can receive Him worthily.

  • A spiritual communion is a prayer for those who cannot physically receive the Eucharist. It's an act of desire to unite your heart with Jesus, asking Him to come to you spiritually. It is a beautiful practice that brings many graces, especially when one is ill or unable to attend Mass (CCC, 1359).

  • The Church recommends that the faithful receive Communion every time they participate in Mass, provided they are properly disposed. However, at a minimum, the Church obliges the faithful to receive the Eucharist at least once a year, preferably during the Easter season (CCC 1417).

Inquire About First Communion

Registration for Religious Education typically opens in late summer. Use this form to send us an inquiry.

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A Final Thought

The Holy Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic faith. It is not a mere symbol, but the true Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, present under the appearances of bread and wine. In this sacrament, Jesus gives Himself to us as spiritual food, nourishing our souls, uniting us intimately with Him, and strengthening us to live as His disciples in the world.