The Source and Summit
“The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term Eucharist originates from the Greek word Eucharistia, meaning Thanksgiving. 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 appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the “real presence” of Christ in the Eucharist.” USCCB
Also known as the Sacrament of Holy Communion, it is a sacred occasion for all Catholics. During the Sacrament of Holy Communion, Christians receive and eat the body and blood of Christ Jesus as they have done for nearly 2000 since Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. During this sacred act, Christians enter into unity with Christ and the Church. The Church encourages all its members, in a state of grace, to partake of Holy Communion weekly at the Sunday Mass.
If you are Catholic
If you’re Catholic and not in a state of grace (i.e., have committed a mortal sin), you are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. Please check out our Confession and Mass times.
If you are not Catholic
For our non-Catholic, Christian brothers and sisters, we welcome you to Mass! We understand there are times when you may attend a Catholic Mass for a wedding or a funeral or perhaps you are just curious. We invite you to participate in all aspects of the Mass with the exception of Holy Communion. Why? Please watch this video from Fr. Mike Schmitz.
Interested in becoming Catholic (or returning to the Church)?
If you are interested in becoming Catholic, please visit our How to Become Catholic page.
If you were baptized Catholic but have been away from the Church for an extended time, please check out our Returning Catholics page.
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
John 17:20-21
so that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you,
that they also may be in us, that the world may believe that you sent me.”