HOLY EUCHARISTThe Holy Eucharist, also known as the Eucharist, Communion, the Lord's Supper, or the Blessed Sacrament, is a central Christian rite that is celebrated in various forms by all major Christian denominations. It is considered one of the sacraments of the Christian faith, and its origins can be traced back to the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ is said to have shared bread and wine with his disciples, giving them the commandment to "do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19).
The Eucharist is a complex and multifaceted sacrament that encompasses several dimensions: a memorial of Christ's sacrifice, a sacred meal, a spiritual communion with Christ, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. The term "Eucharist" itself comes from the Greek word "eucharistia," meaning thanksgiving, reflecting the act of giving thanks to God during the celebration.
In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is considered the "source and summit" of Christian life. Catholics believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which holds that during the Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into the body and blood of Christ, while the appearances of bread and wine remain unchanged. This transformation is believed to occur at the words of consecration spoken by the priest, which are the same words Jesus used at the Last Supper.
For Catholics, the Eucharist is not merely symbolic but a true presence of Christ, and receiving it is a means of spiritual nourishment and grace. The celebration of the Eucharist is the central act of the Mass, during which the community gathers to listen to the Word of God, offer prayers, and participate in the sacrament.
The Holy Eucharist is a foundational Christian sacrament that commemorates the Last Supper, symbolizes Christ's sacrifice, and serves as a means of spiritual nourishment and communion with God.
For a schedule of the celebration of Holy Eucharist (Holy Mass) please see the Home page and click on the relevant link.
FIRST HOLY COMMUNIONChildren studying in Class V are prepared for their first reception of the Holy Eucharist through their Sunday Catechism in a gradual manner, and then with an intense preparation of two to three weeks prior to the reception of the Holy Eucharist on the First Communion Day, which will be in the second semester of the year. This will include also their first celebration of the Sacrament of Penance or Reconciliation.
HOLY COMMUNION FOR THE SICK & THE ELDERLYFor the sick and the elderly who are unable to go the Church regularly on Sundays, you can ask for Holy Communion to be brought to your home in order to receive it. On First Fridays of the month there is the distribution of Holy Communion in this manner; to avail of it, please get in touch with the Parish Office and give details of the sick or elderly person, and how to reach them.
