Eucharist or Holy Communion

The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith. In this sacrament, Jesus Christ is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearance of bread and wine. Each time we receive Holy Communion, we are drawn deeper into union with Christ and strengthened to live as His disciples.

As Jesus tells us:

“He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” — John 6:56 (RSV-CE)

Celebrated at every Mass, the Eucharist is both a gift and a call—a moment of intimate communion with God that nourishes us to bring His love into the world.

First Eucharist (First Holy Communion)

A child’s first communion or reception of the Sacrament of the Eucharist normally takes place in the second grade - the year in which the child reaches the age of 8 - or later. Click here to learn more about taking the next steps in a child's faith journey.

Older Children, Youth & Adults

For older children contact Beth Supple at [email protected] to learn more about the Order of Christian Initiation of Children & Youth (OCIA for Children & Youth). For adults who are interested in becoming Catholic, contact Charles Burke [email protected] to learn about the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA).

Communion at Home

​If you are sick or housebound, you may feel cut off from the spiritual life of the Church, especially from the Mass. Receiving Holy Communion keeps you ‘in communion’ with Christ and the Church at these times. Holy Communion can be brought to you at home by the parish priest or by a lay minister of Holy Communion.

All of the sick or housebound are an important part of the parish, so please inform the parish office if you are unable to be at Mass even for a short time, so that you may be brought Holy Communion at home.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion

Are you interested in taking part in this important ministry? After preparation and training in the parish, the new minister will be commissioned by the Bishop for one year. The commission is renewed annually in the parish, normally on the feast of Corpus Christi. As well as assisting with the distribution of Communion at Mass, ministers may be asked to take Communion to sick and housebound members of the parish. Contact Margaret Wood at [email protected] for information on training.