In St. Matthew’s gospel we read, “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.’ Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying. ‘Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on the behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.’” (Matthew 26: 26-28)
The celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is the center of our lives as Catholics. Attending Mass is central to our faith life and provides the nourishment needed to live our daily lives. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives us his very self, his Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
Our faith teaches us that the Eucharist is not a mere symbol, but it is Christ himself in the appearance of ordinary bread and wine. This is why we gather around the Lord’s table each and every Sunday; to hear the Word of God proclaimed and to receive Jesus in Holy Communion. This gives us the courage and the strength to live our lives as Catholics.
Preparation for receiving Holy Communion begins at birth as parents teach their children the importance of Sunday Eucharist. Ordinarily, First Holy Communion is celebrated when a child is in second grade and is enrolled in St. Cajetan School or in St. Cajetan’s Religious Education Program.
Adults receive First Holy Communion through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults process (RCIA). For more information, please our pastor, Deacon Joe at 773-474-7814 or jroccasalva@cajetan.org for more information.