Sacrament of the Eucharist / First Communion

When you hear “The body of Christ”, you answer, “Amen”.
Be a member of the body of Christ, so that your “Amen” may be true!
…Become what you see, and receive what you are.”
– St. Augustine, Sermon 272

The holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322).

The Eucharist – Source and Summit of Ecclesial Life


The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life” (Lumen Gentium 11).  The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. “For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Passover” (PO 5) (1324).

In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: “Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking” (St. Ireneaus) (1327).

Preparation for First Communion


Parents who seek the Sacrament of First Communion for their children must enroll them in the Religious Education Program (catechesis) of the parish. Formation will be a minimum of two years before receiving the sacrament.  CLICK HERE to see the religious education page.

Adults over the age of 18 who have not yet received their First Communion must attend adult formation classes before receiving their First Communion.  You may call the office at 773-434-9600 and leave a message for our adult formation catechist, or you may send a question / request online to the office.