Holy Communion

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. You may register your child utilizing the online form below. If your child is not yet baptized and is of an age to receive Eucharist, he or she will follow the RCIA program adapted for children. We also have RCIA for adults. If you have additional questions contact Art Nerida at art@sjesandiego.org or by (click here

Online First Communion Registration Form for Children

Online First Communion Registration Form for Adults