The Holy Eucharist completes Christian Initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. Christ gave us the Eucharist as " a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ' in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace and a pledge of future glory is given to us." [CCC 1322, 1323
Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you.” (Luke 22:19-20)
A child preparing for the sacrament of First Eucharist must be registered in the Parish School of Religion. Classes begin in September of the second grade year. The sacrament is celebrated the following spring. Believing that faith formation is best done in support with the family, parents participate in preparation of their child for the Sacrament and attend parent meetings. The Celebrating Our Faith curriculum includes parent materials for use at home, as well as, classroom materials.
Children older than second grade who have not yet been prepared for First Reconciliation and/or First Eucharist participate in Rite of Christian Initiation for Children.
For more information, please contact Kirstie Ruffini or Becky Fenske at 816-331-4713.
Preparation for First Eucharist for adults is done through the RCIA, the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults. For information please contact Biagio Mazza at 816-331-4713.