The Holy Eucharist, or Holy Communion, is a most central and important Sacrament. Holy Communion is offered at every Mass, and in fact, the ritual of the Mass is largely taken up with preparing the hosts (wafers made of wheat and water, or gluten-free) and wine to become the body and blood of Christ and the congregation to receive the body of Christ. Transubstantiation is the act of changing the substances of bread and wine into the substances of the Body and Blood of Christ. For Catholics, the presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist isn’t just symbolic, it’s real.

When you receive Holy Communion, you’re intimately united with Jesus Christ — he literally becomes part of you. Also, by taking Holy Communion, you express your union with all Catholics who believe the same doctrines, obey the same laws, and follow the same leaders. This sense of participation in a larger community is why Catholics (and Eastern Orthodox Christians) have a strict law that only people who are in communion with the Church can receive Holy Communion. In other words, only those who are united in the same beliefs are allowed to receive Holy Communion.

At Saint Michael Parish, preparation for the Sacrament of Reconciliation and First Holy Communion is a two-year program, beginning in Grade 1. The registration period for Religious Education is May 1 through June 1, and classes begin each September. For more information, please refer to our Religious Education page, or phone us at 781.275.6324.