The Eucharist

What is the Eucharist?

The Holy Eucharist is a sacrament and a sacrifice.  Jesus said, ”I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live forever;… he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and … abides in me, and I in him” (Jn 6:51, 54, 56)

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.” (CCC,1324) and “… in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church.” (CCC,1407) 

The whole Christ is really, truly, and substantially present in the Holy Eucharist. “It is Christ himself, the eternal high priest of the New Covenant who, acting through the ministry of the priests, offers the Eucharistic sacrifice, the same Christ, really present under the species of bread and wine, who is the offering of the Eucharistic sacrifice.” (CCC, 1410)

What is required to receive Holy Communion?

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the person who wishes to receive the Holy Communion must be fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and be in the state of grace. Anyone who is conscious of having committed a grave sin must first receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before going to Communion. It is also important to be in a spirit of recollection and prayer, observance of the fast prescribed by the Church (at least one hour before receiving the communion), and an appropriate disposition of the body (gestures and dress) as a sign of respect for Christ.

When must one receive Holy Communion?

The faithful are recommended to receive the Holy Communion whenever they participate at Holy Mass as long as they have the required dispositions. The Church obliges her members to receive Holy Communion at least once a year during the Easter season.

First Communion

Archdiocese of Atlanta requires 2 consecutive years of preparation to receive the First Communion.  Usually the preparation starts when a child is in first grade and receives the First Communion in the spring of second grade. Please go to Elementary Faith Formation Sacramental Preparation.

Anyone who is older than second grade can start his/her preparation by participating in the 2-year Special Sacrament sessions. Please go to Elementary Faith Formation Special Sacrament.