EUCHARIST

“In the Eucharist, we break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for death and the food that makes us live forever in JESUS CHRIST”   

- St. Ignatius of Antioch

“The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism, and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation, participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.” (CCC 1322)

The Eucharist is the sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which he instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until his return in glory. It is a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

“That in this sacrament are the true Body of Christ and his true Blood is something that ‘cannot be comprehended by the senses’ says St. Thomas. St Cyril says: ‘Do not doubt whether this is true, but rather receive the words of the Saviour in faith, for since he is the truth he cannot lie.’”(CCC1381)

Requirements to receive Holy Communion:

One must be  - fully incorporated into the Catholic Church and in a state of grace, i.e. not conscious of being in mortal sin.

                    - in a spirit of recollection and prayer

                    - observe the prescribed One hour fast by the Church, before receiving Holy

                        Communion

                    - in an appropriate disposition of the body (gestures & dress) as a sign of respect for   Christ. (Compendium of the CCC 291) and His body (the faithful)

Fruits of Holy Communion:

• Increases our union with Christ and his Church

• Preserves and renews the life of Grace received at Baptism and Confirmation

• Makes us grow in love of neighbour

• Strengthens us in charity

• Wipes away venial sins and preserves us from mortal sin in the future.

     (Compendium of the CCC 292)

It is compulsory that the faithful attend mass on all Sundays and days of obligation.

In this parish  - First Holy Communion

Preparation for First Holy Communion is a two year course to enable the child to grasp / understand the vast syllabus of catechism. The course begins in June during the Sunday Catechism classes in Std III and goes on in Std IV. Regular attendance is compulsory.

In the second year of the course there will be an intensive one week session for all the candidates seeking to make their first Holy Communion for which attendance is compulsory.

It is the duty of the parents to teach their children the common prayers to enable them to participate in community and family prayers. These prayers should be learnt by heart before the child goes to Std IV.

The parents not only teach the prayers but live their prayer. This necessitates sessions for parents to support them in their Christian calling.

The date of receiving First Holy Communion may be announced sometime in July-August.