Eucharist

“I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever; … he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and … abides in me, and I in him.” John 6:51,54,56

Holy Eucharist is the greatest of all Sacraments, it is the culmination of all the love and mercy given to us by Christ. The other sacraments contain the gifts of God, but the Holy Eucharist contains God Himself! Jesus promised to be with us always, and He continues in a special, real way His Presence through the Most Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics are privileged to receive in Holy Communion. At Mass, we are fed by the Word and nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ.  We believe that the Risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the bread and wine. We receive no mere symbol – we receive Christ Himself as He promised!  The Priest, through the power of his ordination and the action of the Holy Spirit, transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.  This is called  transubstantiation.

A rich banquet of the Lord
Holy Communion unites us with Christ and intensifies our love for God and for neighbor. It increases sanctifying grace. It remits venial sin, lessens concupiscence, and thus preserves us from mortal sin. Finally, as good food should, it readies us for work. A frequent communicant who receives worthily and fruitfully cannot possibly remain wrapped up in himself. As love for Christ more and more fills his horizon, he feels the urge to do things for Christ and with Christ. Powered by the graces of Holy Communion, he becomes an apostolic Christian. Holy Communion is indeed the Bread of Life, a banquet overflowing with grace and richness:  “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

First Eucharist
First Penance and First Communion are usually celebrated when a child is around the age of 7, or in the second grade.  Catholic religious education is required.  Attendance at preparation sessions is also needed.  The child must be baptized in a Roman Catholic Church and a copy of the baptismal certificate is necessary to register for these sacraments.

Faith Formation Office
609-585-0542
Director of Religious Education: Deacon Bill Palmisano,  wpalmisano@srhap.org
Secretary:  Margaret Cassarini,  mcassarini@srhap.org
Assistant: Nora Williams, nwilliams@srhap.org