Holy Eucharist (Communion)
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION
Recieve Jesus in the Eucharist.
Jesus gives Himself to us in the Eucharist because He loves us and desires to remain with us. Holy Communion is not simply a ritual or a reminder of the Last Supper. It is a personal encounter with the living Christ.
When we receive the Eucharist, Christ strengthens our union with Him, nourishes us with His grace, and draws us more deeply into the life of His Church. The Eucharist strengthens us to live as His disciples by loving God, serving our neighbor, forgiving others, and carrying Christ into the world.
Each time we approach the altar, we come not because we are perfect, but because we need the grace and strength that only Christ can give.
The Eucharist and the Mass
Every celebration of the Mass brings us to the table of God's Word and the table of the Eucharist.
During the Liturgy of the Word, we listen as God speaks to us through Sacred Scripture. During the Liturgy of the Eucharist, bread and wine are brought to the altar. Through the prayer of the Church, the action of the Holy Spirit, and the words of Christ spoken by the priest, they become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The Mass makes present the one sacrifice of Christ on the Cross. We do not sacrifice Jesus again. Rather, the saving sacrifice He offered once for all is made sacramentally present to us.
At Holy Communion, Christ then invites us to His table and gives Himself to us as spiritual food for our journey.
At every Mass, we encounter the same Jesus who gave His life for us, rose from the dead, and promised to remain with His Church.
THE SACARAMENT OF THE EUCHARIST
The Source and Summit of Our Faith.
First Holy Communion is not the end of sacramental preparation, it is the beginning of a deeper Eucharistic life.
Jesus invites us to return to His table again and again. Each Sunday, the Catholic community gathers to hear the Word of God, celebrate the Eucharist, and be nourished by Christ before being sent into the world to live as His disciples.
Parents have a special role in helping children develop this Eucharistic life. Bringing children to Sunday Mass, praying together at home, receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and speaking about our faith help them understand that Jesus is not simply someone they learned about in class. He is someone they are learning to know, love, and follow.
Our hope at St. Rose of Lima is that every First Communion will be exactly that:
the first of a lifetime of encounters with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.
“He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.”
— John 6:56
THE REAL PRESENCE
Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. What appears to be bread and wine becomes, through the consecration at Mass, the Body and Blood of Christ.
INSTITUTED BY CHRIST
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine and gave them to His disciples, saying, “This is my body” and “This is my blood.” The Church continues to celebrate the Eucharist in obedience to His command: “Do this in memory of me.”
UNITED IN CHRIST
In receiving the Eucharist, we are united more deeply with Jesus Christ and with His Church. The Eucharist nourishes us spiritually and strengthens us to live as His disciples in the world.
Preparing to Receive Holy Communion
Because we believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics approach Holy Communion with faith, reverence, and proper preparation.
BE IN A STATE OF GRACE
If you are conscious of having committed a mortal sin, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Holy Communion.
OBSERVE THE EUCHARISTIC FAST
Abstain from food and drink for at least one hour before receiving Communion. Water and medicine do not break the fast.
APPROACH WITH REVERENCE
As you come forward, remember that you are approaching Christ Himself. Bow before receiving and respond “Amen” when the minister says, “The Body of Christ.”
PREPARING A CHILD FOR FIRST COMMUNION?
Children preparing for First Holy Communion participate in our Faith Formation program, including preparation for the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion.
ARE YOU AN ADULT SEEKING FIRST COMMUNION?
Adults who have not received First Holy Communion may prepare to receive the Sacrament through OCIA.
Not sure which program is right for your family? We're happy to help.
Deacon Elbert Pagan can help with First Communion requirements, registration, sacramental records, and questions about preparation.
Deacon Elbert Pagan
Call or text:321-497-2929
Telephone Hours: Monday–Friday, 5:00 PM–8:30 PM
Email: elbert.pagan@saintroseoflimacc.org