- The Holy Eucharist—which is also called "the Mass," "the Lord’s Supper" and "The Divine Liturgy" — is the source and summit of our life as a parish. In it, the Risen Christ makes himself present to us in an extraordinary way. In the Eucharist, the bread and wine are transformed into his body and blood. Through our sharing in this meal, we receive Christ himself and grow more perfectly into his image and likeness. Through our sharing in the Eucharist, we become the "Body of Christ" for the world!
When Catholics gather to celebrate the Mass, we, as disciples of Jesus listen to the Word of God and are invited to put it into practice in our lives. Then, with Christ, we offer our lives to God the Father as we pray for the good of all people. We are then nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Having been fed at this holy banquet, we are sent to be witnesses to Christ’s love to the wider world.
The Holy Eucharist is celebrated every Sunday—the "Lord’s Day." It is also celebrated during the week and on Holydays. Mass times may vary on special feast days (e.g. Christmas & Easter) and during the season of Lent.
Children who were baptized as infants usually receive the Eucharist for the first time (First Communion) around the age of seven or eight after a period of instruction and preparation that includes the participation of their parents. Baptized adults who have not yet received First Communion, prepare to do so with other adults through our parish R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) program.
Holy Communion is brought to parishioners who are sick, homebound, or otherwise unable to come to Mass, by extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. Please be sure to notify our parish office regarding a specific need. Parishioners who are hospitalized should first notify the Pastoral Care Office of the hospital to assure the reception of Holy Communion through the hospital’s Catholic chaplaincy.
For more information concerning preparation for First Communion, please contact Annette Gion or Donna Featherstone at 508.278.3777 or by our parish email.