Eucharist (Holy Communion)
The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic faith, where we receive Jesus Christ—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity. In the celebration of the Mass, we are nourished by Christ’s real presence and strengthened to live as His disciples. The Eucharist unites us with God and with one another, renewing our hearts and sending us forth to share His love with the world. At St. John of the Evangelist, we welcome all parishioners and visitors to join us for Mass and encounter the grace, peace, and hope Christ offers in this sacred sacrament.
First Communion is a joyful milestone in a child’s life of faith, marking the moment they receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time. Through the Eucharist, we are nourished by Christ’s real presence and strengthened to live as His disciples. At St. John of the Evangelist, we accompany children and their families as they prepare for this beautiful sacrament, helping them grow in prayer, understanding, and love for the Mass. If your child is preparing for First Communion, please begin with Faith Formation for steps, requirements, and registration.
Every Sunday, in fact, every day at Mass, the priest prays an offertory prayer. As he lifts the bread, the small host that will become the body of Christ, the priest says:
“Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation,
for through your goodness we have received
the bread we offer you:
fruit of the earth and work of human hands,
it will become for us the bread of life.”
This short, easily missed prayer “locates” in one sense, the Holy Eucharist. The bread that is about to be transformed by the words of the priest and the action of the Holy Spirit is acknowledged to be already the gift of the “Lord God of all creation” and the “fruit of the earth and work of human hands.” The simple bread that the priest holds is itself, even before its supernatural transformation into the true body and blood of Christ, the natural gift of God as the “fruit of the earth.” - By Rev. Msgr. J. Brian Bransfield, USCCB
Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist
Preparing for First Holy Communion
Our children’s Religious Education program provides preparation for children to receive First Communion, starting at the second grade. Meetings begin in the Fall and students will ordinarily receive First Communion in the Spring. If your child is not yet baptized and is of an age to receive Eucharist, he or she will follow the OCIA program adapted for children. We also have OCIA for adults. If you have additional questions contact at or by ( click here )
