EUCHARIST
The Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is another sacrament of initiation and can be received daily if desired. It is the central rite of Catholic worship. A baptized child's First Communion is usually celebrated in Archdiocese around age nine and is preceded by their first confession (the sacrament of Reconciliation). During the mass the priest consecrates bread and wine, the elements of the Eucharist, which are transubstantiated into the body and blood of Christ. As a memorial of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and in a reflection of his Last Supper with his disciples, the congregation then shares in the sacred meal. Special lay ministers (i.e., non-priests) are trained to bring the consecrated elements to the ill or otherwise homebound so that all Catholics can participate.
Fr. Vincent Barboza celebrating First Holy Communion Mass at Our Lady of Forsaken Church, Malwani Colony, Malad West
first holy communion
Welcome to this important time in your family’s life with Jesus Christ and His Church. This preparation time for First Communion marks a new chapter in your family’s faith life as Catholics. Your child will be able to participate fully in the worship life of your parish by receiving Jesus in the Eucharist each week. So, this preparation is not just for his/her “first” Communion; it is preparation for a lifetime that only begins with First Communion.