Sacrament of the Eucharist

To fully participate in the life of the Catholic Church, both children and adults must receive three sacraments of initiation. These sacraments act as a foundation in the spiritual life and are necessary to receive some of the other sacraments of the Church.  Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist are the three sacraments of initiation that lay a strong spiritual foundation for the Christian life. 

The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation, and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. The presence of Christ in the Eucharist is real, true, and substantial.

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.

If you or someone you know would like to make their first Communion or would simply like to know more about the Sacrament of the Eucharist, please contact the Parish Office: (941) 923-1691.