Eucharist
What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is "the source and summit" of the Christian life. It is the True Presence of Jesus Christ concealed under the appearance of bread and wine.
In the celebration of the Eucharist, “bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present - body, blood, soul, and divinity - under the appearance of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead.”
Our Lord established the sacrament of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The Institution of the Eucharist is detailed in four Gospels: Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; Luke 22:14-20; and John 6:22-59 (The Bread of Life Discourse).
The Eucharist 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.
Learn more about the Eucharist here.
“By the Eucharistic celebration, we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all.”
- CCC 1324-1326
FAQs
1. Can I receive the Eucharist if I’m not Catholic?
No, you must become Catholic to receive the Eucharist.
2. Can I receive the Eucharist if I’ve committed venial sins?
Yes, the reception of the Eucharist offers forgiveness of any venial sins. To learn more about venial sins, click here.
3. Can I receive the Eucharist if I’ve committed mortal sins?
No, you must hasten to the sacrament of reconciliation prior to receiving the Eucharist if you are in a state of mortal sin. To learn more about mortal sins, click here.
4. Do I need to attend Mass every Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation?
Yes, you must attend Mass every Saturday evening or Sunday and every Holy Day of Obligation. If you do not, this would be a mortal sin and you would need to attend the sacrament of reconciliation.
5. Can I receive Communion if I haven’t received in over a year?
No, you must go to the sacrament of reconciliation prior to receiving the Eucharist if it has been over a year. If you have received the Eucharist within the year and attend Mass every Saturday evening or Sunday and Holy Day of Obligation, you may receive the Eucharist.
6. If I’m gluten intolerant, can I still receive Communion?
Yes! We offer low-gluten hosts at every Mass during the week and on Sundays. Simply come in the Holy Communion line of the pastor/presider at Mass, and he will distribute Holy Communion from a small, separate ciborium. Please note that it is not a gluten-free host but a very low-gluten host (required for the validity of the Sacrament).