Eucharist
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"The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
The other sacraments are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch."Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324 -
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What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is celebrated at every Sacrifice of the Mass. Through the appearance of bread and wine, we receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. The Holy Eucharist draws us closer to Holy Trinity through the Person of Jesus Christ.
Why is the Eucharist important?
The Eucharist is the center of Catholic faith. By receiving the Holy Eucharist, we remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, and we grow in love for one another. Jesus commanded us to love, to remember Him, and to wait for His return. We do these things by receiving His Body and Blood.
Who can receive the Eucharist?
Catholics who have prepared themselves by fasting 1 hour before Holy Mass and by going to Confession regularly may receive the Eucharist. Traditionally, children who are 7 or 8 may begin preparation to receive their First Eucharist.
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Schedule & Contact
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First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are sacraments offered in the second grade. Watch for information in the bulletin early in September.
Faith Formation: 608-782-7557
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Dive Deeper
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No matter the continent or the culture, one common element will be found wherever there is a Catholic Church: the celebration of the Eucharist. Regardless of the language of the Mass, the structure will be the same. This consistency exists because the universal Church continues to follow Christ’s solemn command at the Last Supper, “Do this in remembrance of me” (cf. Mt 26:20-29, Mk 14:17-25, Lk 22:14-20, CCC #1337) While all the sacraments are important, this one takes pride of place among the seven, earning the title of The Most Blessed Sacrament. Also referred to as the “source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC #1324), in the Eucharist Christ is present with us in an exceptional way. When the priest consecrates the bread and wine, using the words Jesus himself used, the substance of the bread and wine is changed into the substance of the Body and Blood of Christ (cf. CCC#1376). This is why Catholics profess that in the Eucharist, “the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantiallycontained” (CCC #1374). Just as food nourishes us physically, receiving Jesus in Holy Communion nourishes us spiritually. He desired all of us to be united to him in an intimate way, and gave us this sacred banquet in order to truly become one with him: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (Jn 6:56).
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Additional Resources - Eucharist
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“How lovely it was, that first kiss of Jesus in my heart…on that day it was more than a meeting – it was a complete fusion.”
St. Therese on her First Communion
