Source and summit
At Mass, Christ's one sacrifice is made sacramentally present; the bread and wine become his Body and Blood. Christ is truly, really, and substantially present, giving himself as food for the Church.
Holy Communion expresses communion with Christ and the Church. A Catholic who is conscious of grave sin needs to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation before Communion; catechumens who have not yet been initiated wait until the day they are welcomed to the table.
Suggested reading: John 6:35-58; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29; Luke 24:28-35. Christ enables us to recognize him in the Word and in the breaking of bread.
Sunday shapes the entire week
Sunday commemorates the Resurrection, gathers the community, and makes room for worship, rest, family, and charity. Participation in Mass cannot be separated from becoming bread broken for others.
What do I hope for in my first Holy Communion? With whom does that communion call me to be reconciled or to share?
Learn the structure of Mass: Introductory Rites, Liturgy of the Word, Liturgy of the Eucharist, and Concluding Rites. For each part, write down one way to participate actively.
References
Path progress
The Eucharist and Sunday
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