Eucharist
The Eucharist is the heart and center of the sacramental life. The Second Vatican Council referred to it as the source and the summit of the whole Christian life. The Eucharist not only signifies but actually contains the body and blood of Christ. At the Eucharist we gather together around a common table and partake of the banquet that Christ has prepared for us—now and for all eternity.
The Eucharist also has a more universal meaning and significance. It is a reminder to everyone that we are one family under God and that our family solidarity is sustained and deepened by the ordinary things of life, especially through our eating together. We eat together not just for physical nourishment, but also to celebrate and strengthen the bonds of love and friendship that give our lives meaning, purpose, and direction.
Eucharist is one of the sacraments of initiation. “Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1275
“Receive what you are (Body of Christ)
Become what you receive (Body of Christ)”
St. Augustine
For information on becoming a Catholic, see RCIA—the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
For information on First Communion for Children, see First Eucharist Preparation, below.
For the liturgy schedule, see Immaculate Conception Church Liturgy Schedule on our Home page.
The Eucharist also has a more universal meaning and significance. It is a reminder to everyone that we are one family under God and that our family solidarity is sustained and deepened by the ordinary things of life, especially through our eating together. We eat together not just for physical nourishment, but also to celebrate and strengthen the bonds of love and friendship that give our lives meaning, purpose, and direction.
Eucharist is one of the sacraments of initiation. “Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in Christ.”
Catechism of the Catholic Church, article 1275
“Receive what you are (Body of Christ)
Become what you receive (Body of Christ)”
St. Augustine
For information on becoming a Catholic, see RCIA—the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
For information on First Communion for Children, see First Eucharist Preparation, below.
For the liturgy schedule, see Immaculate Conception Church Liturgy Schedule on our Home page.
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First Eucharist Preparation
Preparing your child for the sacraments is a partnership between family and parish. Baptism was the first step in your child’s journey toward full initiation into the Catholic faith. Coming to the table of the Lord in the Eucharist is the next sacrament of initiation, followed by the sacrament of Confirmation (celebrated in the teen years in our diocese). In our diocese, as in most, First Reconciliation is celebrated prior to First Eucharist. Diocesan guidelines state that children who have been baptized in the Catholic Church are to be involved in a catechetical process for at least a year prior to formal preparation for this sacrament. The National Directory for Catechesis requires that parents, too, take an active part in the child's formation. Families can enroll their child in Children's Faith Formation for preparing and celebrating the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist (First Communion) as second graders, if they have been enrolled in the parish faith formation process one year prior. Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation / First Eucharist involves:
We delight in sharing this significant time in your family's ongoing faith formation and pray that you will be enriched by your experience. For more information, please contact the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. Those who wish to share in this ministry as a sacrament preparation catechist for the workshops, a refreshment volunteer, or a retreat assistant are asked to contact the Children's Faith Formation Coordinator. |
Commonly Requested Resources
First Reconciliation & Eucharist Preparation Schedule My Family Meal & Banner Information Liturgy Request Form |