They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the communal life, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. Awe came upon everyone, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
Acts 2:42-43
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC 1324) Everything contained in the Catholic Church is oriented towards the Eucharist and everything flows forth from it. Catholics believe that the Eucharist is the real, true, and substantial presence of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. At the last supper, Jesus told his disciples to “do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19) When we participate in the Eucharist we are re-membered into the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ; we participate in the one sacrifice Jesus offered for us.
At Saint Joan of Arc children are prepared for their First Eucharist once they have attained the age of seven. For information on the preparation for First Eucharist, contact the Family Life Ministry office at (303) 420-1232.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church uses various names for the Holy Communion. Each name evokes certain aspects. It is called:
Eucharist– because it is an act of thanksgiving to God.
The Lord’s Supper– because it is connected to the supper which Jesus took with his disciples the night before he died…and it anticipates the wedding feast of the lamb in the heavenly kingdom.
The Breaking of Bread– because Jesus used this rite when he blessed and broke the bread and gave it to his disciples at the Last Supper, signifying that all who eat this bread, his body, enter into communion with him and form one body in him.
The Eucharistic assembly– because it is celebrated among the assembly of the faithful.
The Holy Sacrifice– because it completes and surpasses all the sacrifices of the Old Covenant.
The Holy and Divine Liturgy or Most Blessed Sacrament– because the Church’s liturgy finds its center in the celebration of this sacrament. This is the Sacrament of sacraments.
Holy Communion– because through this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body and Blood to form a single body.
Must complete Religious Education program (2 year program)
Religious Education Registration requirements:
State issued birth certificate.
Certificate of Baptism (If not Baptized will receive the Sacrament while completing the Religious Education program.)
For Catholics:
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion. We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.
For Our Fellow Christians:
We welcome our fellow Christians to our celebration of the Holy Mass as our brothers and sisters. We pray that our common baptism and the action of the Holy Spirit in the Eucharist will draw us closer to one another and begin to dispel the sad divisions which separate us. We pray that these will lessen and finally disappear, in keeping with Christ’s prayer for us, “that they may all be one.” (John 17:21)
Because Catholics believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily not admitted to receive Holy Communion.
For Those Not Receiving Holy Communion:
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another.
For Non-Christians:
We also welcome to our celebrations those who do not share our faith in Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion, we ask them to offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family. (Adapted from the United States Catholic Conference)
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Questions About Holy Communion?
Contact the Parish Office
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 303.420.1232