The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving.

In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.

Why does Jesus give himself to us as food and drink?

Jesus gives himself to us in the Eucharist as spiritual nourishment because he loves us. By eating the Body and drinking the Blood of Christ in the Eucharist, we become united to the person of Christ through his humanity. "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him" (Jn 6:56). In being united to the humanity of Christ, we are at the same time united to his divinity. Our mortal and corruptible natures are transformed by being joined to the source of life.

Is The Eucharist A Symbol?

The transformed bread and wine are truly the Body and Blood of Christ and are not merely symbols. When Christ said “This is my body” and “This is my blood,” the bread and wine are transubstantiated. Though the bread and wine appear the same to our human faculties, they are actually the real body and blood of Jesus.

Family preparation is offered to those who are seeking First Eucharist for their (grade 2) children. Preparation includes parent meetings, at home participation activities, and retreat experiences for both children and parents. Any child seeking this sacrament needs to be participating in an ongoing faith formation process, either through the parish religion program or a Catholic School. For more information, call the Office of Religious Education.

To minister to the needs of the sick, Communion can be provided to people in the hospital, nursing home, or their homes. Please call the Rectory @ (985) 395-3616 to make arrangements or please fill out the contact form below.