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Eucharist (Holy Communion)

"Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.' And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you."

Luke 22:19-20

The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the heart and summit of the Church's life. The Eucharist is the source of community within the Church. The essential signs of the sacrament are wheat bread and grape wine, on which the blessing of the Holy Spirit is invoked during the Sacrifice of the Mass.

The bread and wine through Transubstantiation become the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

We receive the Real Presence of Jesus when we receive Holy Communion.

Our soul is nourished, helping us to become like Christ.

Receiving Holy Communion with others during the Sacrifice of the Mass brings unity of the Church, the Body of Christ.

At St. Patrick’s, there are two programs of preparation for the sacrament of the Eucharist depending on the age of the person receiving first communion:

  • First Communion for Children
  • First Communion for Adults

First Communion for Children

At St. Patrick’s, parents who wish to have a child receive First Communion need to enrol their child in the Sacramental Programme. A child must have received both First Reconciliation and Confirmation before preparing for First Communion. First Communion sessions are usually held after Easter with the celebration of First Communion taking place on the Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ. The usual age is about 8 years. Keep an eye out for the notices concerning the sacramental programmes in the Sunday newsletter in Lent when enrolments will be available. For information contact Sr Mary Neven (09) 303 4509 x501.

First Communion for Adults

The RCIA program is a wonderful series of steps that can lead an adult to participation in the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Communion (Eucharist). For adults in the RCIA, these three might be celebrated together at Easter.

Click here for more information regarding the RCIA programme.

 
 

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