About Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist is the most important expression of the entire Christian life because it is Jesus himself.

Many Christians today speak of "having a relationship" with Jesus, and we couldn't agree more; Jesus loves us so much he actually desires to live physically inside us through this sacrament. As our Lord says himself: "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you; he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me and I in him." (John 6:53-56)

The New Testament abounds with references to the Eucharist; indeed the body of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine has been the center of Christianity from the earliest days of the church.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church Teaching on the Holy Eucharist

The Eucharist as a Sacrament of Initiation

Along with Baptism and Confirmation, the Eucharist completes Christian initiation (CCC 1322).

The Real Presence of Christ

The Eucharist is not just a symbol; Jesus Christ is truly, really, and substantially present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC 1374).

Instituted by Christ

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper, commanding His disciples: “Do this in memory of me.” (Luke 22:19; CCC 1337)

The Effects of Receiving the Eucharist

Deepens union with Christ (CCC 1391)
Separates us from sin and strengthens charity (CCC 1393–1394)
Builds the unity of the Church (CCC 1396)
Gives spiritual strength and foretaste of heaven (CCC 1392, 1402)

First Communion Requirements

Children must be properly prepared and able to understand, according to their capacity, the mystery of Christ and receive Him with faith and devotion (CCC 1247, 1249, 1385).
Normally received around the “age of reason” (about age 7) after Baptism and First Confession (CCC 1457).

Reception

Catholics must be in a state of grace before receiving the Eucharist (CCC 1385).
One should observe the Eucharistic fast (CCC 1387).

First Communion for Youth

First Communion is typically celebrated during the second grade year around or after the age of seven, following the reception of the First Penance or Confession. More information about preparation for First Communion and First Penance is provided by the Seton Parish Youth (SPY) ministry. Please follow the link below to register your child for Faith Formation and learn more about Sacrament preparation.

First Communion for Adults

If you are an adult and are looking to receive first communion, we encourage you to learn more in the OCIA process. OCIA is the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults seeking to become Catholic.

Our OCIA team is ready to help wherever you are in your journey to learn more about the Catholic faith and complete your Sacraments of Initiation in the Catholic Church. Regardless of where you are in your faith journey, we have a place for you here and want to help you grow and develop within the beauty of our Catholic faith and its Sacraments.

The easiest place to begin is to fill out our online inquiry form and Tina Bowie, our OCIA director, will reach out to you. You can also contact Tina directly at 614-833-0485 Ext. 227 or tbowie@setonparish.com

Begin your journey in OCIA

Communion for the Homebound

Seton Parish has a team of Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion that are able to bring the Holy Eucharist to individuals that are homebound and unable to attend church. This also includes parishioners that are recovering from surgery or hospital procedures. Please contact us to schedule a visit by one of our EMHC team members. We encourage those who due to illness or physical limitation to join us for our online opportunities including Sunday Mass and Daily Rosary online.