THE EUCHARIST

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist”
originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving.

In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus
Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole
Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread
and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means
when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.
In the Eucharist the Church both receives the gift of Jesus Christ and gives grateful thanks
to God for such a blessing. This thanksgiving is the only proper response, for through this
gift of himself in the celebration of the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine
Christ gives us the gift of eternal life.

Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his
blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has
eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood
is true drink. . . . Just as the living Father sent me and I have life because of the
Father, so also the one who feeds on me will have life because of me. (Jn 6:53-57)
For more information on the Eucharist, visit the United States Conference of Catholic
Bishops’ Website: The Eucharist | USCCB

               

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION

The sacrament of Reconciliation, also known as confession and penance,
is a sacrament of healing.  

The Catechism tells us: “The sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true
“spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children
of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God” (1468). 

Indeed, the sacrament of Reconciliation is a time for love, mercy and healing.
Regrettably, some see this sacrament of forgiveness and healing as a cause for anxiety
and fear. Jesus intended it to be a time of compassion and mercy and every priest in
confession is conscious of being a minister of understanding and forgiveness.
When Jesus gave us this sacrament He knew well our human nature and knew the
need we have to hear the freeing words: “I absolve you of your sins. . . .” 

The Church recommends monthly confession as a spiritual discipline. At a minimum,
Catholics must make a confession of sins when they are conscious of mortal sin
before the reception of holy Communion. The precept of the Church says that Catholics
ought to confess their sins in the sacrament of Confession at least once a year during
the Easter Season.

To learn more, see the following websites:

Confession 201: How to Confess Like an Adult - Ascension Press Media

Making a Good Confession - The Light Is On For You

Reconciliation | Loyola Press (For Family and Children)

Preparation for the Sacraments of 
FIRST EUCHARIST and FIRST RECONCILIATION

A candidate inquirying about the preparation of this combined program must be at the age of discretion, seven years of age or above and must meet the following requirements:

• Be baptized and not previously confirmed
• Must be Catholic (children baptized in another denomination must make a Profession of Faith)
• Must be properly instructed (ie: attending mass, going to scheduled faith formation sessions, and living a holy life that is pleasing to God).
• Must be capable of renewing their Baptismal promises

Please fill in the inquiry form below and someone from the parish will get in touch with you with more information.