Eucharist

The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life.  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 Pasch.

~The Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324

By taking holy Communion, Catholics become intimately united with Jesus Christ. Through the Eucharist, Catholics are also united in belief with all Catholics around the world and at all times. These beliefs include the sacraments, the authority of the pope and the teachings of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Learn more.

The word "Eucharist" originates from the Greek word meaning "thanksgiving." In the original Greek version of the Gospels, Jesus is recorded using a similar word while celebrating the Last Supper. Essentially, the word "Eucharist" means "giving thanks" but in a Jewish context is directed more specifically to giving thanks to God.

Jesus gave this power to his apostles, and they gave it to the bishops and priests who came after them.

There are a few signs that a child is ready to receive first Communion:

• A desire to receive the Eucharist.
• A developing relationship with Jesus Christ and the Church.
• A familiarity with the movements, prayers and gestures of the Mass and their connection to life.
• A sense of the "real presence" — that the bread of the Eucharist is not ordinary bread, but Jesus coming to us in a special way.

The best way to know if your child is ready to receive first Communion is for your child to receive formation and instruction at your parish.

There are several traditional prayers that children should know as foundational parts of their prayer lives. "Growing Up Catholic" lists several of these prayers and offers suggestions for those teaching children.

Growing Up Catholic