Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever.” (John 6:51)

About the Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the center of the Church’s life and worship. The Catechism of the Catholic Church calls it “the source and summit of the Christian life,” because all the other sacraments and ministries of the Church are ordered toward it. In the Eucharist the whole spiritual good of the Church is given to us: Christ Himself.

At the Last Supper, on the night before He died, Jesus instituted the Eucharist when He took bread and wine and said, “This is my Body… This is my Blood.” Through the words of consecration spoken by the priest at Mass and the power of the Holy Spirit, the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Under the appearance of bread and wine, Christ is present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

The Mass makes present the saving sacrifice of Christ on the Cross and allows the faithful to participate in His perfect offering to the Father. When we receive Holy Communion, we are united more deeply with Christ, strengthened in grace, and drawn into deeper communion with the whole Church.

The Eucharist nourishes the life of the soul, increases charity, forgives venial sins, and strengthens us to live as faithful disciples. By receiving the Body and Blood of the Lord with faith and reverence, we are drawn more fully into the life of Christ and the mission of His Church.

First Communion at St. Patrick

Information about First Communion preparation at St. Patrick Parish will be posted soon.

Please contact the parish office if you have questions about sacramental preparation for children.

Class Information

Details about First Communion preparation classes will be available soon.

In the meantime, please contact the parish office for guidance on next steps.

Who May Receive Holy Communion

Catholics who have received First Communion, are properly disposed, and are in a state of grace may receive Holy Communion. Anyone conscious of grave sin should first receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before approaching the altar.

Those who are not Catholic or who are not prepared to receive Communion are welcome to remain in prayer or to come forward to receive a blessing from a priest or deacon during this time.

Adults Seeking First Communion

Adults who wish to receive the Eucharist for the first time ordinarily prepare through OCIA, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults.

Contact Us About OCIA

Common Questions About the Eucharist

What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ truly present under the appearances of bread and wine. At Mass, the bread and wine become Christ’s Body and Blood through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ spoken by the priest.
Why do Catholics believe the Eucharist is truly the Body and Blood of Christ?
Jesus clearly taught this in John 6: “My flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed.” (John 6:55). When many disciples found this teaching difficult and left him, Jesus did not correct them or say he was speaking symbolically, even though it cost him followers (John 6:66). Jesus then turned to the Twelve and asked, “Will you also go away?” Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:67–68). From the earliest centuries Christians have believed that Christ is truly present in the Eucharist.
Who may receive Holy Communion?
Catholics who are properly disposed may receive Holy Communion. This means being baptized, in full communion with the Catholic Church, believing what the Church teaches about the Eucharist, being free from grave sin, and observing the Eucharistic fast.
Why do Catholics fast before Communion?
Catholics fast for at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist as a sign of reverence and spiritual preparation. Those who are elderly, ill, or who must take medication are not bound by this fast.