Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet 'in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323 

Along with Baptism and Confirmation, Eucharist or Communion is one of the Sacraments of Initiation. Through these sacraments, a person is incorporated into the Church and welcomed to participate as part of the Body of Christ.

Eucharist is the ritual of celebrating the Paschal Mystery of Christ, through giving thanks and praise to God at Mass. This sacramental experience is the heart of Catholic life for the whole Church.

Preparation for First Communion/Eucharist 
The Sacrament of First Eucharist or First Communion is received in the spring of 2nd grade for children. Classes run from the fall thru the last Sunday in April or first Sunday in May. 

Classes/programs vary by parish. Each program conforms to the Catechism of the Catholic Church and brings children and their families to a joyful reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist. There are many requirements for the students and families; watch for the First Eucharist Student Handbook at the Parent Meeting.