Eucharist

About the Eucharist

 

Christ gave us His body and blood as the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Therefore, we become one with Him and as a church community by receiving communion.  The sacrament of Eucharist takes place during Mass. The Mass is divided into the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Mass is the highest form of praise and celebration of God’s love for us, and our love for Him. It is the most accurate expression of our beliefs as Catholics.

 

 

Obligation to Mass

 

On Sunday, we gather as the Body of Christ to celebrate the Lord’s Day, the day of Christ’s resurrection. As “the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2) it recalls the first creation; and as the “eighth day,” which follows the sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by the Resurrection of Christ. Thus it has become for Christians the first of all days and of all feasts. It is the day of the Lord in which he with his Passover fulfilled the spiritual truth of the Jewish Sabbath and proclaimed man’s eternal rest in God. When members of our church community are absent from this gathering, they are missed. No member of the faithful should be absent from the Sunday Eucharist without a serious reason.  We should arrive on time, prepared in mind and heart to fully participate in the Mass. Those who cannot attend because of illness or the need to care for infants or the sick deserve our prayers and special attention.

Holy Days of Obligation

 

Holy Days of Obligation are special days in addition to Sundays that we are obliged to attend Mass. These days may vary depending on country and/or diocese. The following are the Holy Days of Obligation in the Diocese of Orange:

  • August 15: Assumption of Mary into Heaven
  • November 1: All Saints Day
  • December 8: The Feast of the Immaculate Conception
  • December 25: Christmas, the Nativity of Our Lord

 

 

Mass Participation

 

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to the start of Mass, and turn off your cell phones.
Please dress modestly and refrain from “too casual” attire such as workout clothes or flip-flops.
Please refrain from eating at least 1 hour before receiving the Eucharist.

First Communion Class

 

This class is for children who have been baptized, but have not yet received communion due to their young age. Children must attend classes which start every year in September on Sundays at 9:45AM. Must be of at least the 2nd grade and must have been baptized.

 

 

Non-Catholics

 

Non-Catholics may not receive Eucharist (must complete RCIC/RCIA program and receive baptism). However, they may participate in Mass and pray.