The Sacrament of the Eucharist
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.

"At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet ‘in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.'"

The Sacrament of the Eucharist.


First Communion For Children
First Communion for the child (at least in second grade, and at least seven years of age) usually takes place on the first or second Sunday in May each year.

At this time the child, after due preparation, is mature enough to receive the Eucharist – the Body of Blood of Christ – for the first time.

This is also a special spiritual experience for the parents who are expected to be actively involved in the preparation program.

Direct preparation for this begins the previous September, but indirect preparation begins with the family’s practice of the faith – regular weekend Mass attendance participation in the life of the parish, and education at Cathedral School.

Requirements For The Child And Family
The usual conditions for parish membership are a perquisite:

• Be a registered member of the parish for at least one year.
  

• Attend Mass every weekend.
  

• Participate in the life/activities/programs of the parish.
  

• Contribute financially in an identifiable, regular and meaningful way.
  

Immediate preparation requirements:

• Present a baptismal certificate.
  

• Participate in scheduled parent meetings, scripture studies, and other activities.
  

• Attend the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd classes in Cathedral School.*
  

• Complete projects that are aimed at increased understanding
  

• Participate in the retreat.
  

• Celebrate First Reconciliation.
  

• Interview with pastor or his delegate.
  

• Provide documentation as requested.

* Participation in the Sunday morning Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program is encouraged.

For more information contact St. Mary Basilica by Email or telephone 601–445–5616.