"The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life."¹³"The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch."  "The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit." CCC 1324-1325

Scriptural basis: “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks,* and gave it to them, saying, Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins."

Who can receive the sacrament?

       Because this bread and wine have been made Eucharist ("eucharisted," according to an ancient expression), "we call this food Eucharist, and no one may take part in it unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught." CCC 1355

Who can administer the sacrament?

Bishops, priests, and deacons are ordinary ministers of communion. If there are a great number of communicants or there are not enough ordinary ministers lay extraordinary minister of communion may be used.

How is it celebrated?

The liturgy of the Eucharist unfolds according to a fundamental structure which has been preserved throughout the centuries down to our own day. It displays two great parts that form a fundamental unity:

1. The gathering, the liturgy of the Word, with readings, homily and general intercessions;

2. The liturgy of the Eucharist, with the presentation of the bread and wine, the consecratory thanksgiving, and communion.

The liturgy of the Word and liturgy of the Eucharist together form "one single act of worship";¹⁷⁰ The Eucharistic table set for us is the table both of the Word of God and of the Body of the Lord. CCC 1346¹⁷¹

What are the sacrament’s effects?

1. The Eucharist unites us ever more intimately to Christ. This communion is the principal fruit of the sacrament of Holy Communion.
2. It “preserves, increases, and renews the life of grace” which we received at Baptism (CCC 1392). Just as material food nourishes us to grow physically, the Eucharist provides essential nourishment so that we can grow in our spiritual life.
3. It separates us from sin by strengthening us in charity. The Eucharist washes away past venial sins and strengthens us against committing sins in the future.
4. “The Eucharist makes the Church” (CCC 1396). When we are united to Christ in the Eucharist we are also united more closely to all other members of his mystical body, the Church. This sacrament that is the “sign of unity” and “bond of charity” (St. Augustine) also inspires us to pray ever more fervently for the unity of all Christians, as Christ himself prayed on the night he instituted this sacrament (see John 17).
5. In our reception of the Eucharist we are committed to the poor and enabled to recognize Christ in those most in need. The Catechism
6.  quotes St. John Chrysostom in explanation: “You have tasted the Blood of the Lord, yet you do not recognize your brother, …. You dishonor this table when you do not judge worthy of sharing your food someone judged worthy to take part in this meal” (quoted in CCC 1397).     

First Communion

For children under the age of 7 please call the office (847) 824-2026 to begin registration and schedule a meeting with our Director of Religious Education, Sister Revelina Santiago SJBP

For Children 7 and older please contact our Director of Religious Education, Sister Revelina Santiago SJBP  at the same number. We will need to a copy of the child's birth certificate before the baptism.