The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life. Through Holy Communion, we receive Christ himself and are nourished and strengthened in our life of faith.

The Sacrament of the Eucharist

(Can. 897) The most August sacrament is the Most Holy Eucharist in which Christ the Lord himself is contained, offered, and received and by which the Church continually lives and grows. The Eucharistic sacrifice, the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in which the sacrifice of the cross is perpetuated through the ages is the summit and source of all worship and Christian life, which signifies and effects the unity of the People of God and brings about the building up of the body of Christ. Indeed, the other sacraments and all the ecclesiastical works of the apostolate are closely connected with the Most Holy Eucharist and ordered to it.

(Can. 898) The Christian faithful are to hold the Most Holy Eucharist in highest honour, taking an active part in the celebration of the most august sacrifice, receiving this sacrament most devoutly and frequently, and worshiping it with the highest adoration. In explaining the doctrine about this sacrament, pastors of souls are to teach the faithful diligently about this obligation.

(CCC 1359) The Eucharist, the sacrament of our salvation accomplished by Christ on the cross, is also a sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for the work of creation. In the Eucharistic sacrifice the whole of creation loved by God is presented to the Father through the death and the Resurrection of Christ. Through Christ the Church can offer the sacrifice of praise in thanksgiving for all that God has made good, beautiful, and just in creation and in humanity.

(CCC 1360) The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving.”

(CCC 1361) The Eucharist is also the sacrifice of praise by which the Church sings the glory of God in the name of all creation. This sacrifice of praise is possible only through Christ: he unites the faithful to his person, to his praise, and to his intercession, so that the sacrifice of praise to the Father is offered through Christ and with him, to be accepted in him.

(CCC 1325) “The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is an important milestone in a child's journey of faith. Children are prepared to receive the Eucharist through catechesis, prayer and participation in the life of the Church.

Preparation

Preparation for First Holy Communion normally takes place through parish catechesis and involves children, parents and the wider parish community. Families will be given information about preparation, enrolment and the celebration when arrangements are confirmed by the parish.

Receiving Holy Communion

Something simple explaining that Catholics should be properly disposed to receive Communion, including having observed the Eucharistic fast and, where necessary, having received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Arranging First Holy Communion

If your child is approaching the age for First Holy Communion, please contact the parish for information about preparation, enrolment and dates.