The Sacrament of the Most Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist, the living and real presence of Jesus Christ, completes Christian initiation.  Through this sacrament of initiation we participate with the whole community of believers in the Lord’s own sacrifice of the cross.

The Eucharist (from the Greek word "eucharistia" - "thanksgiving") is the Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ, who is present under the appearance of bread and wine. In the Eucharist, Christ offers Himself in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and gives Himself as spiritual food to the faithful.

At the Last Supper, the Lord instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of His own Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until He should come again, and so to entrust to the Church a Memorial of His death and resurrection.

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.  As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive Holy Communion.  We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.

A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the body and blood of Christ without prior sacramental confession, except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (Code of Canon Law, Canon 916). A frequent reception of the sacrament of reconciliation is encouraged for all.

Learn more about the Eucharist and the Mass at CatholicComeHome.org

Children ordinarily receive their First Holy Communion in the spring of their second grade year after fulfilling all the necessary requirements: 

• Children who wish to receive First Holy Communion will have been baptized and will also receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

• A two-year preparation program is encouraged before the reception of the sacraments of First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. This can be fulfilled by attending a Catholic school for at least two years prior to receiving the sacraments or by attending weekly classes in our Parish School of Religion (also known as CCD).

• More information about our parish School of Religion can be found here. 

• We ask that all families of 1st and 2nd graders contact the parish office so that we can provide for this essential sacramental preparation. You can call us at 488-2659 or email us at office@olr-nola.org.

Click above to learn more about Catholic teaching on the Eucharist.