Eucharist
The Real Presence of Christ
As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist is Jesus truly present—body, blood, soul, and divinity. And every time we receive the Eucharist, we share in the one same sacrifice of Christ nearly 2,000 years ago.
As we receive the Eucharist at every Mass, we are encouraged to fully contemplate the enormity of this sacrament, this true gift of Jesus Christ.
First Communion for the Children of the Parish
Classes for First Communion are open to all third graders of the parish. Currently, we follow the Restored Order of Sacraments in the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, meaning children will receive the sacraments of First Holy Communion and confirmation at the same time. Click the link below to register your child for classes.
St. Maximilian Kolbe
FAQs on the Eucharist.
What is the Eucharist?
The Catholic Church teaches that in the Mass we make truly present Jesus Christ, body, blood, soul, and divinity. It is not a mere symbol, but under the appearance of bread and wine, Jesus is really there, in the same way the priest and congregation are there. We call this the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Who can receive the Eucharist?
You may receive the Eucharist if you are in full communion with the Catholic Church, which means you have professed Catholicism (as your faith) and have been to confession within the year. Those who receive the Eucharist, in what we call receiving Holy Communion, are making a public statement that they believe and affirm everything the Catholic Church teaches.
If I’m not Catholic and I go to Mass, what should I do when it is time for Communion?
If you’re not Catholic at Mass, during Communion, you can either remain seated in your pew or come through the line to the priest with your arms crossed to receive a blessing.
What are the guidelines for a Catholic to receive Communion?
As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, we should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. If we are conscious of a grave sin in our soul, we should abstain until we are able to receive the sacrament of penance.
Why has First Communion moved to third grade?
In the Diocese of Tulsa and Eastern Oklahoma, all parishes are moving to Restored Order, meaning the sacraments of initiation will be celebrated in their proper order: baptism, confirmation, First Communion. This decision is to make available the graces of the sacraments to our children so that they can begin their relationship with God as soon as possible.
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