Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (The Lord's Supper)
Experience The Most Blessed Sacrament During Holy Mass At Saint Mariana De Paredes Parish
Welcome to the heart and summit of our Church’s life – the Holy Eucharist. In this sacred sacrament, Christ associates His Church and all her members with His sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, offered once for all on the cross to His Father. Through this divine act, He pours out the graces of salvation on His Body, which is the Church.
“The Holy Eucharist is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, that is, of the work of salvation accomplished by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, a work made present by the liturgical action.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1409)
What is the Holy Eucharist?
The term “Holy Eucharist” comes from the Greek, meaning “thanksgiving.” It is used to refer to the Real Presence of Christ, His continuing action as High Priest (initiated by His giving of thanks at the Last Supper), and the Sacrament of Holy Communion itself.
Join Us for Daily Eucharistic Celebrations
Experience the transformative power of the Eucharist by joining our daily celebrations at 8 am, Monday through Saturday, and four times on Sunday. It is not just a ritual; it is an invitation to draw near to the Word of God, to encounter Christ, and to partake in the divine mystery.
Getting Involved
If you are curious about the Catholic Church or have questions about the Holy Eucharist, we encourage you to reach out. Feel welcomed to contact our parish office or someone from the Faith Formation Ministry. We are here to guide you on your spiritual journey.
As Jesus proclaimed, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever;… 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)
Come, partake in the living bread and experience the eternal life offered through the Holy Eucharist.
Guide to Receiving the Most Blessed Sacrament - Holy Communion
As we joyfully celebrate the Word made Flesh, let us embrace the profound significance of receiving the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. This is not a symbolic presence but a Real Presence – a gift of love from Christ that we approach with reverence and gratitude.
Preparing Our Hearts
Spiritual Preparation: Arrive early, engage in prayer, attentively listen to the readings, respond to the prayers, and actively participate in Mass.
State of Communion: Ensure you are free from mortal sin. If conscious of mortal sin, seek reconciliation through the Sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion. Living in communion with the Church is essential, including having received the Sacrament of Matrimony if married.
Fasting: Abstain from food or drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion.
Approaching the Altar
Reverence: Choose to receive standing or kneeling. For standing, offer a profound bow or genuflection before receiving, standing upright when presented with the Sacred Host.
Receiving the Body of Christ:
- On the Tongue: Open your mouth sufficiently, extending your tongue slightly.
- In the Hands: Form a throne with open palms. Do not “grab” the Host; wait for it to be placed gently in your hands. Ensure your hands are clean and free of objects. Consume any particles immediately.
Response: When the priest or minister says, “The Body of Christ” or “The Blood of Christ,” respond with an affirmative “Amen.” No other responses are appropriate.
Post-Communion
- Thanksgiving: Once back at your seat, kneel or stand, and engage in a heartfelt act of thanksgiving. Express gratitude to our Lord for the precious gift of His Body and Blood.
May this guide enhance your communion experience, fostering a deeper connection with the Divine as we partake in the most blessed sacrament.