THE EUCHARIST
THE EUCHARIST is the “source and summit” of the Church’s life, the Eucharist makes present the Body and Blood of Christ. Through the words of the priest at Mass, the bread and wine are transformed into Christ’s Body and Blood. This is known as transubstantiation (i.e. a change of substance while the accidents or appearance remain the same). In the Eucharist, Jesus Christ is truly, substantially and really present and the bread and wine have ceased to exist. The fact of his being there is known as the Real Presence
First Holy Communion Every year First Holy Communion candidates in the parish (usually Year 3 upwards) receive Holy Communion for the first time on a Saturday usually in May or June. The children are prepared in our schools by their class teachers, with some evening sessions to include families and the Parish Priest. A regular, organised, preparation in a Catholic school or parish is essential prior to the child’s First Confession and First Holy Communion. Those parents with children not at St Mary's or St Paul's school are able to participate in a parish course, the details of which will be available in the parish newsletter each Autumn. All parents are required to participate in the information sessions prior to their child(ren)’s First Holy Communion.