Holy Eucharist

The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian Life. It is the second of the three sacraments of initiation. At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and giving thanks, broke it and gave it to his disciples saying “Take this all of you and eat of it, for this is my Body which will be given up for you.” In a similar way he took the chalice and said “Take this all of you and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist. “Under the consecrated species of bread and wine, Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real and substantial manner; His Body and Blood with his soul and divinity. (CCC # 1413)

As a Community of Faith, we gather around the table of the Lord at each Mass to celebrate Christ’s sacred banquet and participate in Christ’s redemptive sacrifice on the cross. Our participation culminates in the reception of His Body and Blood in Holy Communion after which we are then sent out to bring Christ into our world.

Preparation of children for the reception of the Eucharist at St. John Neumann begins in second grade either through Sts. Joseph and John School or, for students in public school, through the Family Faith Formation which meets Tuesday evenings September through May. Please note, there are additional evenings throughout the year that are specific to First Communion, that are required for families to attend.

Baptized adults who have not received their First Communion participate in the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.