"Christian initiation is accomplished by three sacraments
together: Baptism which is the beginning of new life; Confirmation
which is its strengthening; and the Eucharist which nourishes the
disciple with Christ's Body and Blood for his transformation in
Christ." (Catechism of the Catholic Church [CCC] #1275.)
The
Sacraments of Initiation: Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist, are the
rites by which we become members of the Body of Christ taking our
place in full communion with the Church.
God’s
greatest gift to us is Jesus his Son. Celebration of
the Eucharistic is an act of worship in which the Church and all her
members are associated with Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross for
all. The bread and wine are not merely blessed symbols, but “by
the power of the Holy Spirit”, the bread and wine become the Body
and Blood of Christ. Christ Himself is truly present. The Holy
Spirit acts in our lives, and Eucharist enriches us to use our
gifts in service of others.
In addition
to being at the age of discretion for sacramental preparation, the
candidate must meet the following requirements:
- Have already received the Sacrament of First Reconciliation
- Participate in religious education at least one year prior to preparing for First Eucharist.
- Regularly attend religious education the year in which First Eucharist will be celebrated.
- Attend weekly Mass
If a child, the candidate's parent(s) must:
- Be a registered member of the parish
- Work with their child to complete all First Eucharist materials