The Eucharist
"I am the living bread which came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever..."
– John 6:51
THE GREATEST GIFT
What Is the Eucharist?
The Mass is the greatest thing in the world because at every Mass, bread and wine are transformed into the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ. More than a symbol or a memorial — Catholics believe it is the real, true, and substantial presence of Christ Himself.
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The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life. Every other sacrament, every prayer, every act of service flows from and leads back to this encounter at the altar. When we receive Holy Communion, we are not simply remembering Jesus — we are receiving Him.
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This mystery — called the Real Presence — is at the center of why Catholics come to Mass every Sunday. We come hungry and we are fed. We come burdened and we are strengthened. We come broken and we are made whole — not by our own effort, but by the One who gives Himself to us completely.
FOR CHILDREN
First Communion
First Communion refers preparation for and reception of the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
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At Holy Spirit, baptized children typically prepare for First Communion at 7 or 8 years old (usually in 2nd grade), following completion of their first Reconciliation. Preparation takes place through our Children's Faith Formation program, which forms children in the faith, in Scripture, and in the sacramental life of the Church.
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First Communion is a joyful family celebration — a moment of grace that children and parents will treasure for a lifetime. We work to make the preparation meaningful and the celebration beautiful.
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Preparation Requirements
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Baptized Catholic
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Registered Parishioner. Register here.
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Enrolled in our Children's Faith Formation program (or equivalent Catholic school religious education)
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Typically in second grade or older
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Have received First Reconciliation (as part of Faith Formation)
Adults
Are you a baptized adult who has not yet made their First Communion? We would love to walk with you on this journey. Please connect with our OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) coordinator to begin your preparation.
WHO CAN RECEIVE COMMUNION
At a Catholic Mass, Holy Communion is offered to Catholics who have received their First Communion and are in a state of grace.
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Non-Catholics and Catholics who are not in a state of grace are warmly invited to come forward to the priest or deacon with arms crossed to receive a blessing instead.
CURIOUS ABOUT BECOMING CATHOLIC?
If you are not Catholic and find yourself drawn to receive Communion, we invite you to explore our OCIA process.