Eucharist

The Eucharist (Mass) is the source and summit of our faith.  It is the re-presentation of Christ’s sacrifice on Calvary.  It is the union of our own sacrifices with his.  It is the foretaste of the glory of Heaven and the Resurrection.  

To receive Holy Communion, a person must be a baptized Catholic, be free of mortal (serious) sin, and be sufficiently prepared. NB: those who are cohabiting or only civilly married should separate or marry in the Church before receiving Holy Communion.  Non-Catholic Christians may not receive Holy Communion, except under special circumstances, as determined by the Bishop.  

The Catholic Church requires that All Catholics receive Holy Communion at least once per year, during the Easter season.  Of course, one should confess all of their mortal (serious) sins beforehand.  The Church earnestly encourages all Catholics to receive Holy Communion frequently.

First Communion

To participate most fully in the Sacrament of the Eucharist is to receive Communion.  

First Holy Communion is usually received at age 7 (2nd grade).  Parents, please register your children for Religious Education classes around the same time of year that you register them for school.  Older adolescents and adults should contact a priest directly for their preparation.  

In the United States, godparents (padrinos) are not part of the first Communion celebration and are not required.

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament

The truly ancient and persistent belief of the Church in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament has led to the practice of Eucharistic Adoration.  If Jesus is truly present in the Communion that we receive, then he can truly be worshiped in the Blessed Sacrament just as God is worshiped in Heaven and on earth.  

The Church encourages the faithful to make visits to the Blessed Sacrament and to develop a devotion to Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.  The Cathedral is open during the day for the faithful to come and pray before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the tabernacle.  

Eucharistic Exposition and Adoration is held the 4th Tuesday of each month beginning after the 7 am mass and continuing for 12 hours and ending with solemn benediction immediately before the 7 pm mass on Tuesday evening  

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament should always stem from and lead to the Eucharistic celebration of the Mass, the source and summit of our faith.