Holy Eucharist

Holy Eucharist:

            The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is the act of eating and drinking the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.  Jesus instituted this sacrament at the Last Supper, when he took bread and said, “Take and eat, this is my body which is given up for you.” and took wine, and said, “This is my blood, of the new and eternal covenant, which will be shed for you and for many, for the forgiveness of sins.”  He told his apostles to “do this in memory of me”.  We Catholics believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus when our priest says those words during Mass.  When we receive the Eucharist, we receive Jesus.  If we are in the state of grace and cooperate with the graces of the Eucharist, we strengthen our relationship to the Father and are given the grace to become more like Jesus; reception of the Eucharist also forgives minor sins. 

            Catholics may receive the Eucharist at any Mass.  The conditions are that the Catholic be of the age of reason and not be conscious of serious sin, and not have an impediment to reception of the Eucharist, like being in an irregular marriage.  The Eucharist is also brought to those who are housebound, hospitalized or infirm; contact the parish office to arrange a Eucharistic visit.