Eucharist or Holy Communion
The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.” In the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself. At the last supper, on the night he was betrayed, Jesus instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. The Greek word eucharistein means thanksgiving. We also call the Eucharist Holy Communion because by this sacrament we unite ourselves to Christ, who makes us sharers in his Body and Blood to form a single body. We are united to Christ and with each other. During Mass, the bread and wine, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s Body and Blood.
Jesus said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever;…he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and…abides in me, and I in him” (John 6:51, 54, 56)
Who Can Receive Holy Communion?
We welcome all who would like to join us for Mass. We ask that only those who share our Catholic belief and faith receive Communion. You are welcome to join our communion procession even though you are not receiving the Holy Eucharist. As you approach the priest or Eucharistic Minister, simply raise your right hand as a sign of faith and they will pray a blessing over you. Children not receiving the Holy Eucharist may also raise their right hand and receive a blessing.
First Holy Communion
For information on the sacramental preparation for First Holy Communion, please contact the Religious Education office at (810) 694-4891, ext. 2151.
Eucharistic Adoration
Tuesdays 2 – 6 p.m.
Fridays 12 – 4 p.m.
This is a wonderful time for private prayer and personal encounter with the Lord.
“Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is…an important daily practice and becomes an inexhaustible source of holiness…It is pleasant to spend time with (Christ), to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple and to feel the infinite love present in his heart.” Pope Saint John Paul II in The Church and the Eucharist, 10 & 25
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Pray the Psalms or the Liturgy of the Hours.
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Recite the “Jesus Prayer.” Say “Lord Jesus, have mercy on me, a sinner,” repeatedly as you quiet your heart and mind.
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Meditate using Scripture.
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Read the life of a saint and pray with him or her.
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Pour out your heart to Christ and adore Him.
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Ask for forgiveness and intercede for others.
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Pray the rosary.
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Sit quietly and just “be” in the presence of God.
From “Eucharistic Adoration,”
Our Sunday Visitor, Huntington, IN
