Eucharist

Overview

The Sacrament of the Eucharist, also called the Mass, is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” All of the other sacraments point to it. When the priest prays the words of consecration over the bread and wine at Mass, we believe, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, that they become his Body and Blood. We receive this most precious of gifts in Holy Communion, which intimately unites us with Jesus and helps us become more like him through the grace he gives us by his very presence in our human bodies. Because the Son of God is truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics also adore the Blessed Sacrament during Exposition, and we reverence the tabernacle where the Eucharist is placed after Mass.

Catholics who are ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist are invited to receive Holy Communion during Mass. Our hearts are ready to receive him when we have been baptized in the Catholic Church (or baptized in another church and later received into the Catholic Church) and are not in a state of serious sin. If you are not yet ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, you are welcome to line up during Communion and receive a blessing (indicated by placing your hands across your chest).

First Communion

Process of preparation to celebrate First Eucharist in 2027

Holy Redeemer Parish offers a program to prepare children, 7 to 10 years of age, for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time.

This process for and the celebration of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist is a family, parish, and school affair and involves both the parent and child.

A message from Father Paul: (Pastor, Holy Redeemer Parish)

It is with great joy that I invite your family to our ‘GIFT’ (Growing In Faith Together) preparation process to celebrate the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist for the first time. These two sacraments offer your child an opportunity to encounter Jesus in a very real and profound way.

As you consider this journey, please take note of the two core expectations:

● Weekly Mass Attendance: The heart of this preparation is a weekly encounter with Jesus Christ. All candidates must attend Mass each week alongside at least one adult family member. This requirement ensures that parents, as the primary educators of the faith, model consistent weekly worship. (We know life is busy! To accommodate your family's schedule, Holy Redeemer offers five Mass times each weekend.)

● Full Participation: Candidates and at least one parent or adult guardian must participate in every component of the preparation timeline.

Thank you for your commitment to your child's faith. We are excited to welcome your family to this sacramental year.

Parents, if you wish that your child prepare to celebrate First Holy Eucharist in 2027, you should have attended the Information Seminar on September 19^th. The preparation process and expectations for your family were fully explained.

**If you were unable to attend the seminar on September 19, please contact Sharon Groulx at cic@holyredeemer.ca before using the link below.

Registration Step 1: Use this link to complete the registration form.

https://forms.gle/2d31a47FpWMbuYNf7

Registration will close Wednesday September 30 at 6pm.

Registration Step 2: Sunday October 4^th @ 1:30 PM to 2:15 PM at Holy Redeemer

**After Registering, you will be emailed a reminder and what to bring for Step 2 on October 4^th.

Continue scrolling down to see the requirements and dates for the 2026-2027 First Eucharist Preparation Process.

NOTE: Children must be at least 7 years of age by December 31, 2026.

*If your child is not yet baptized, the process may be somewhat different than described below.