Holy Communion is the real Body and Blood of Christ. Instituted at the Last Supper, the Eucharist is our spiritual food for the journey until we are fully united with Christ in eternal life. “The source and summit of the Christian life” (CCC 1324), Christ is truly present in the Eucharist — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.
The Church celebrates Mass (the Holy Sacrifice) daily, yet it is truly participation in the one sacrifice of Christ’s crucifixion. The common phrase of “you are what you eat” is most truly reflected in the mystery of Mass, in receiving the Eucharist, we are united with Christ, forming one body in Christ.
Our participation in the Mass does not end with the dismissal; it continues throughout our lives, where we are called to “fulfil God’s will” (CCC 1332) in our daily lives.
While Baptism removes the stain of original sin allowing for a more fulfilled relationship and union with Christ, we are still “subject to suffering illness and death” (CCC 1420).
Understanding that the sacraments of initiation mark the beginning of the Christian journey, not its completion, humanity is prone to sin again, requiring continual conversion to Christ. In the Lord’s love for each of us, it is through the sacrament of reconciliation that we are able to “return to communion with God after having lost it through sin” (CCC 1488). Through confessing our sins to a priest, Christ forgives our sins through the ministry of the priest.
While the priest has the grace to forgive sins, God requires contrition, a sincere desire to avoid sin in the future. Confession, like the Eucharist, aids us on our journey towards Heaven, allowing us to conform ourselves more perfectly to Christ. It is advisable for our spiritual good that once a month, those who are baptised participate in the sacrament of reconciliation.
Preparing to receive Reconciliation and the Eucharist for the first time can be one of the most memorable experiences parents share with their children. There is no fixed age when children receive these Sacraments: parents assess when they feel their child is ready. It is important that the family attend Mass every weekend so that the child will understand more fully what the Eucharist is about.
Families who regularly worship at St Lawrence’s are invited to enrol their children for the parish preparation for Reconciliation/Eucharist in June when they are in Year 3 or above. Parents play a major part in the preparation, which starts in September, and are guided through it with the help of monthly parents’ meetings, guide books and children’s workbooks. Catechists also lead the children in group activities once a month. When the children have worked on their particular chapter at home, they bring their books to Mass for the monthly Eucharistic Celebration and present them at the Offertory. The parish prays for these children throughout their sacramental preparation.
Children receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Advent. They receive the Eucharist for the first time in springtime, in small groups at the Mass they regularly attend. Once all children have received the Eucharist there is a Thanksgiving Mass and a party.
