The Sacrament of Eucharist (the Mass and Holy Communion) is the third of the three sacraments of initiation that make a person a full member of the Catholic Church. (The other two are Baptism and Confirmation.) We Catholics believe that, in Eucharist, bread and wine are changed by God into the Body and Blood of Christ. We receive the real Body of Christ in Holy Communion so that, together, we may become the Body of Christ in the world.

Following Jesus’ instruction at the Last Supper to “do this in memory of Me,” Catholics gather together, weekly, around the altar to be nourished and strengthened with God’s Word and with the Body and Blood of Christ. We believe that this holy sacrifice and meal is the source of the faith that enables us to live as Jesus taught us to live, and the summit – our most important act of Catholic worship which celebrates and creates Christian unity.

The word “eucharist” comes from the Greek word for “thanksgiving.” We give God thanks for the gift of Jesus. The word “Mass” comes from the Latin word that means “sent.” Strengthened by the Eucharist, we are sent into the world to do Christ’s work.

First Eucharist for Children - See Elementary Faith Formation for more information.

First Eucharist for Adults - See Rite of Christian Initiation for more information.