Throughout the history of the Catholic Church, Christ has been especially adored and praised in the Eucharist. In the Sacrament of the Eucharist we receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Church teaches that Christ is truly present in the bread and wine that have been consecrated by the priest at Mass. Although the bread and wine still look and taste like bread and wine, the substance, what is actually there, has changed. The word “transubstantiation,” which means “a change in substance,” is used to describe this real change. Reception of First Holy Communion is an important step for children in their journey of faith formation and Christian initiation. Spending time with Jesus through Adoration or Holy Hour gives us restful time in His Presence.
The roots of the Eucharist are in the Seder, the Jewish Passover meal which commemorates Israel’s delivery from slavery in Egypt. During the first Passover every Jewish household was instructed to sacrifice a lamb and sprinkle its blood on their doorposts. Seeing the blood, the angel of death would “pass over” them, sparing the lives of their first-born sons. Jesus spoke of Himself as “the lamb of God.” The Mass is the new Passover, with Jesus offering His own body and blood so that we would be free.
First Eucharist for Children
First Eucharist is generally celebrated during the Easter season and usually occurs at the 2nd grade level. Parish policy requires a two year preparation for this sacrament and the Church requires the reception of First Penance before the reception of First Eucharist. If you would like more information, please contact the Parish Religious Education Program (PREP)
office at 703-533-1182 x104.
First Eucharist for Adults
Any adults interested in receiving their First Eucharist by completing Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) should click here for detailed information on that process.