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Eucharist and the Mass

Origins of the Eucharist

Our Lord instituted the Sacrament of Eucharist within the setting of a Jewish Passover meal, making a New Covenantal relationship with His people. At the Passover meal of the Last Supper Jesus took bread and wine, offered it to the Father and substantially changed it into His Body and Blood. He said, THIS IS MY BODY, and gave it to his disciples to eat. Then he took a cup of wine and said, THIS IS MY BLOOD, and gave it to his disciples to drink.

He then told them, DO THIS IN MEMORY OF ME" (cf. Matt. 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25; Luke 22:19-20; 1 Cor 11:23-27). So the Church, obedient to Christ, does what Christ did, and we do this at mass during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is done each time and where ever Mass is celebrated all over the world. When we as Catholics receive Communion we believe that we are receiving the Sacred Body and Blood of Christ in a real and substantial way. The Mass is celebrated each day at St. Anne's Parish. Catholics who are spiritually prepared (not living in a state of mortal sin) and who are in union with the Church - during each mass may receive communion. Communion is taken to those who are hospitalized or home bound each day by a team of lay people involved in the ministry to the sick and, as needed, by the parish priests.

For those who wish to receive Communion for the first time, Children or adults, a formal preparation is required. It is necessary to say AMEN (which is I BELIEVE) in order to receive Communion - and in order to believe - there must be understanding and acceptance. God does not wish us to remain in the dark, but to live in the light of understanding - in Christ Jesus our Lord.

First Eucharist for Children

Preparation for first Eucharist involves a participation in two years of formation in our Religious Education program.  Learn more about it here.

FIrst Eucharist for Adults

The preparation and formation of Adults for First Eucharist is carried out through the parish RCIA program, which is offered in both English and Spanish.  Learn more about it here.

Mass Schedule

The locations and times at which the Mass is offered can be found here.