Jesus instituted the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper while celebrating the Passover meal with his apostles. The gift of the Holy Eucharist makes Jesus present to us today and every day. He did not abandon us, rather he gave us the Church in whose authority priests and bishops consecrate the unleavened bread and wine at the Mass by which it becomes the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus. Through this miracle the same Jesus who was crucified and rose from the dead may be received by Catholics today.
The grace of this sacrament provides supernatural food for the soul to strengthen and nourish the faithful as they seek greater union with Christ in their daily life. Each time Catholics receive holy communion they have an opportunity to grow in holiness through their openness to the graces offered in this encounter with Jesus. In the Catholic tradition we call these graces the fruits of Holy Communion.
First Eucharist (First Holy Communion)
The celebration of First Eucharist is traditionally celebrated in the second grade in conjunction with First Reconciliation. The celebration normally takes place on the second Saturday in May. First communicants are required to have two years of instruction - first and second grades. Questions regarding the preparation for this sacrament for second graders in the religious education program and for parishioners of Holy Family Parish can be directed to Mary Jane Perry, our Faith Formation Coordinator, at 203-579-4540 (to leave a message) or emails to holyfamilyreled@gmail.com.
RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Adults) program.
For adults joining and returning to the faith, instruction concerning this sacrament can be arranged through the RCIA program. Please contact Ms. Perry for additional information.
RCIA (Rites of Christian Initiation for Children) program
Special instruction under the RCIC program is provided for children older than the second grade who have not made their First Communion. Please contact Ms. Perry for additional information.
The Eucharist is the celebration of Mass, the eucharistic liturgy. The term Eucharist is also used for the bread and wine when transubstantiated (their substance having been changed) into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.