The Eucharist (Holy Communion)

The word ‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. In the Holy Mass we thank God for our redemption and for His gift of eternal life. Every Mass presents again the death and resurrection of Jesus. In the celebration of the Mass these events, become present and real to us. In the Eucharist, Christ gives us His body which He gave up for us on the Cross, and his blood which He "poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins." 

Jesus gives us His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist to enable us to live an authentic Christian life, based on His teaching and it empowers us to go out in His name to serve the community around us and reach out to those who do not know Him. The Eucharist is essential to keep our spiritual lives healthy and to grow in our Christian faith. “I am the bread of life,” Jesus told them. “Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35)

When we receive Holy Communion we are given the grace to help us to stay close to God, to resist the temptation of sin and to be more loving to others. We are united with Christ Jesus and become more like Him. "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in him." (John 6:56)

In the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest acts in the person of Christ as head of His body, the Church. The celebrant asks the Holy Spirit to transform the humble gifts that we offer to God, not only the bread and wine, but also our lives. He offers them to the Father, asking that they be united with Christ's perfect sacrifice and made holy.

See the significance of the Holy Eucharist in this short video:

When we receive Holy Communion we are united (in communion) with God, with all the Catholics around the world who also receive communion and with all those who have gone before us.  

A Catholic must be in a state of grace to receive Holy Communion, and anyone aware of being in a state of mortal sin must first receive absolution in the Sacrament of Penance (Catechism, No. 1415). ​

Those outside the Church who would like to become full members and be able to receive Holy Communion are very welcome to receive instruction and be received into full communion with the Catholic Church. For more details please click here or speak to one of the priests. Classes for adults can be found here.

If you are a Catholic with a child age 7 or above and would like them to be prepared to receive their First Holy Communion, please submit your details below and we will let you know when the next Catechism class begins and how to register on it.
​