Holy Eucharist
What is the Sacrament of the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is a Sacrament of Initiation, along with Baptism and Confirmation. Also called “Holy Communion,” the Eucharist is Jesus Himself, His true Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist, ordinary bread and wine is completely changed into Our Lord’s Body and Blood by the process of transubstantiation. Because the Eucharist is Christ Himself, the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our Christian Catholic life.
A one-hour fast from food and drink (exception: water and medicines as well as medical conditions such as diabetes) is required before the reception of Holy Communion.
Practicing Catholics who meet the requirements for receiving communion are invited to receive Holy Communion at every Mass.
Non-catholic participants at Mass, while they do not partake of Holy Communion, are encouraged to make a spiritual Communion with Our Lord.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already here, and unite myself wholly to You.
Infirmed and homebound parishioners may call the Rectory at 610-539-5572 to make arrangements to receive Holy Communion on a weekly or regular basis. Priests, Deacons, and Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are assigned to bring Communion to these individuals.
For those interested in making their 1st Holy Eucharist, please note the following:
Adults and teenagers desiring to receive 1st Holy Eucharist must enroll in the Rites of Christian Initiation (RCIA) program. Please contact Sister Diane Marie, C.S.F.N., our Director of Religious Education, at sister.diane@visitationbvmschool.org or 610-539-6080, opt 6.
Parents who desire 1st Eucharist for their children must meet the following requirements:
1
The student has had two years of religious instruction prior to receiving the Sacrament of 1st Eucharist/1st Communion.
2
The family is registered in the Parish.
3
The family participates at Sunday Mass.
4
The parent(s) and candidate MUST participate in the required Sacramental preparation activities (i.e. meetings, special events, retreats and practices).
Please contact Sister Diane Marie, C.S.F.N., our Director of Religious Education, at sister.diane@visitationbvmschool.org or 610-539-6080, opt 6 for additional information.