Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

What is Holy Eucharist

Catholics believe the Eucharist is the Real Presence of Jesus Christ, who died for our sins. Our Communion is both a sacrifice and a meal. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

On the night he was betrayed, he took bread and gave you thanks and praise. He broke the bread, gave it to his disciples and said:"Take this all of you and eat it: this is my body which will be given up for you."  The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life".

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Catholics often refer to the taking of the Holy Eucharist as Holy Communion.

Adult First Holy Communion

Before receiving Holy Communion, an adult must have celebrated his or her First Holy Communion as a Child or through RCIA.  Click here for more information [add link to RCIA page]

Child's First Holy Communion

Preparation for First Holy Communion in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles is a two year process. At St Denis Parish we begin that process in 2nd grade and offer preparation for children of all grades through 8th grade. We offer 1st grade faith formation classes, but they do not count towards the preparation for First Holy Communion and are not required. We also offer continuing formation for children after the reception of First Communion all the way through 8th grade. Enrollment occurs mid-June through end of August with classes begining the second week of September.

For more details click here [Link to Faith Formation/children/elementary]

How Do I Participate

Initiated Catholics are required to receive Communion at least once per year (our Easter Duty). The Church urges us to receive Communion frequently (even daily), since it brings us into the fullness of our life in Christ.

As St. Paul explained in 1 Corinthians 11:27-29, because of the connection of the Sacrament of Holy Communion to our life in Christ, we must be free of any grave or mortal sin before receiving it.  Otherwise, as he warns, we are not worthy to receive the sacrament, and we "eateth and drinketh damnation" to ourselves.

If we are aware of having committed a mortal sin, we must participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation first. The Church sees the two sacraments as connected, and urges us, when we can, to join frequent Confession with frequent Communion.

At St Denis Parish Communion is provided in both species (the Body and the Blood) at Holy Mass. Arrangements can also be made for shut-ins to receive Holy Eucharist in the home. Call the Pastoral Office to request a home visit by a Eucharistic Minister.

How Do I Qualify

All participants must be in a state of grace and must have celebrated their First Holy Communinon through RCIA for adults, RCIT for teens or RCIC for children. Refer to the links provided above.

Eucharist for the Sick

Please call Pastoral Office to make arrangements for Holy Eucharist in your home or to enquire about preparation for Holy Eucharist.