The Sacrament of the Eucharist

At the Last Supper, on the night when he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the centuries until he should come again. This mystery is the very center and culmination of Catholic life. It is the source and the summit of all preaching of the Gospel and the center of the assembly of the faithful.

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. When the Church celebrates the Eucharist, the memorial of her Lord’s death and resurrection, this central event of salvation becomes really present and “the work of our redemption is carried out.”

First Communion

Parents are called upon to encourage their children to discover the value and importance of the Eucharist. In this educational endeavor, a particularly significant stage is First Communion—the ceremonial admission of young Catholics to the community of the church.

First Communion, which serves as special indivdual achievment as well as a celebration shared by the entire Parish community, has long symbolized a turning point in childrens' lives. Second grade students at St. Joseph Parish School prepare to celebrate First Holy Communion in the Religious Education classes. They celebrate the sacrament as a class the last Sunday of April or the first Sunday of May.