What is the Eucharist?
The word “Eucharist” means Thanksgiving. So when Christians celebrate the Eucharist, they are thanking and praising God, in the context of a sacred meal, for all the good things that God has given them, through Jesus.
At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying: “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me”. (Lk 22:19) In the same way he took the cup, gave it to them and said: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which will be poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20) Here we see Jesus sharing his last meal with his closest friends and telling them that he was giving his very self so that they would have life. Every time we celebrate Mass and share Communion we are joined with Jesus and share in his life.
First Holy Communion Programme
The programme of preparation for First Holy Communion and the Sacrament of Reconciliation involves the home, school and parish. It is this three-fold partnership that will enable children to learn, deepen and enrich their faith and grow in a love for the body and blood of Christ.
The home is the most important element of this partnership as parents are the first and best teachers of their children. The school and parish will support and celebrate what is being taught and lived in the home.
Preparing to receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion is a very special time for children as they celebrate the second stage of their initiation into the Catholic Church. An extensive programme is currently running and if you require any information or support with the preparation of your child please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Communion to the sick and housebound
The priests of the Parish visit those who are sick and housebound on a monthly basis throughout the year. Should anyone like to be added to those lists please contact the Parish Office. Those who wish to receive Holy Communion more regularly at home often have Ministers calling to them. This can be arranged through the priests. It is essential that anyone taking Communion from the church in a pyx, inform one of the priests that they are doing so. It is important that Eucharistic Ministers who are assisting at Mass only have the Host placed in the pyx after Communion. Please ensure that if you are taking Communion to someone at home that you are free to do so, going straight to the person’s home after Mass without running other errands first.