Eucharist

The Eucharist at 4 Parishes 1 Faith

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life, the sacrament in which Jesus Christ is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine. Every time we come to the altar, we receive not a symbol but the Lord himself, offered for us and given to us for the strengthening of our faith. Whether you are guiding a child toward First Holy Communion or returning to the sacrament yourself, we are glad you are taking this step, and we want to walk with you through it.

First Holy Communion for Children

The Church invites children who have reached the age of reason, generally around second grade, to receive Jesus for the first time in the Eucharist. To prepare for this sacrament, families are asked to do the following:

1. Enroll in Religious Education – Register your child for the parish’s First Communion preparation program through the St. Joseph faith formation office. Enrollment typically opens in the fall for the following spring’s celebration.
2. Complete First Reconciliation – Children must celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time before receiving First Holy Communion. This is arranged as part of the preparation program.
3. Attend Preparation Classes – Children attend weekly classes that walk through the meaning of the Mass and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, using materials provided by the parish.
4. Meet with a Priest or Catechist – Toward the end of preparation, children meet with a priest or catechist to talk through what they have learned and make sure they are ready to receive the Lord for the first time.

Returning to the Eucharist as an Adult

Some adults were baptized Catholic but never completed the sacraments of initiation, whether because of years away from the Church or simply because First Communion never happened. It is never too late, and we are glad to help you take this step.

1. Contact the Parish Office – Reach out to the St. Joseph parish office to talk about where you are in your faith journey. There is no need to feel embarrassed about the gap. Our staff will listen and help you find the right next step.
2. Meet with a Priest or Parish Staff Member – You will meet individually to review your sacramental history and put together a simple plan of preparation suited to your situation.
3. Complete a Short Period of Preparation – Depending on your background, this may be a few sessions or a longer process alongside our OCIA program. The goal is understanding and readiness, not a fixed number of classes.
4. Receive the Eucharist – Once you are prepared, you will receive First Holy Communion at a Mass chosen together with your priest, often surrounded by family and parish community.