Sacrament of Eucharist:

The Sacrament of the Eucharist - The Source and Summit

Each time we celebrate the Eucharist, we deepen and more perfectly complete our own Christian initiation. We enter ever more deeply into Christ, putting on Christ more fully as a garment, living with Christ forever. The great Constitution on the Church from Vatican II makes this clear in a single, memorable line: The Eucharist, it explains simply, is "the source and summit of the Christian life." All the rest of the work of the church and indeed, the daily life of us Christians, directs us toward the Eucharist and flows from it.

It is the source of our union together as the People of God and it is that thing which keeps the church.  It is, you might say, an entire summary of our faith wrapped up in a single moment where Christ acts to express that Divine Love which He revealed in His life and death and which is now sustained by the Spirit of Love, our lives; we experience Christ's love in special ways through Baptism.  The sacrament of Baptism welcomes children into the Christian family.

First Eucharist

First Eucharist (Communion) preparation is offered to those parents who feel their child (usually second grade, but may be older) is ready to celebrate the Holy Eucharist.  Preparation is done with the family.  The process requires registration in the Faith Formation Program.  It is recommended that the Sacrament of Reconciliation be celebrated prior to starting the preparation of the celebration of the Sacrament of Eucharist. 

Materials are provided to assist parents and children in preparing for the First Eucharist.  Parents and children have several opportunities to gather for learning, prayer, and celebration in addition to the regular Faith Formation Program.

Components of the Process   
*While parents are the primary teachers of faith for their children, volunteer catechists supplement what is taught at home during Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes.  Required parent meetings are held 2-3 times a year and children and parents are required to attend a Reconciliation retreat and a First Eucharist retreat. 

*Home based materials   

*Celebration of the sacrament of the Eucharist is during a Mass during Easter season

If child is third grade or older contact the DRE to assist you in preparing your child for the sacrament.

For more information, contact ThuyAnh Hoang of Faith Formation at [email protected] or 651.426.1818.

Fr. Greg's Homily for First Communion: