Eucharist

Eucharist

“While they were eating, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take it; this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, and they all drank from it. He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” Mark 14:22-24

At the Last Supper, the First Mass, Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist. In giving us this gift, we become united with Jesus and with each other. During the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, Jesus, through the priest, changes the bread and wine into His Body and Blood (transubstantiation). The Eucharist, the bread and/or wine becomes the Real Presence of Jesus. It gives us nourishment and the strength to follow and journey with and in Jesus. As Catholics, we are welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist if we are in a state of grace and have been absolved of any mortal sin through the Sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving Communion. A Eucharistic Fast, fasting from food and drink at least an hour before receiving Holy Communion is part of our Catholic faith. Water and/or medication do not break the Eucharistic fast.

Holy Eucharist is available at the Church of Saint Luke at all Masses.

*First Reconciliation and First Eucharist
Children in first and second grade, preparing for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Eucharist must attend faith formation classes at the Church of Saint Luke on a regular basis one year prior to the year in which the sacraments will be received. Typically, at the Church of Saint Luke, the Sacrament of First Reconciliation is celebrated in January of a child’s second grade year. First Eucharist is celebrated at the end of a child’s second grade year on Mother’s Day weekend in May. Please contact the Faith Formation Office for registration information at 570-421-9097 ext. 105 or by email at religiouseducation@churchofsaintluke.org.

*Catholic School Students
Families with children enrolled in Catholic school must register their child with the Faith Formation Office in order for their child to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist at the Church of Saint Luke. Students may, but are not required to, attend regular Religious Education classes in preparation for the Sacraments. However, Catholic school students and their families are required to participate in parent meetings/workshops, prayer experiences, and rehearsals. Please contact the Faith Formation Office for registration information at 570-421-9097 ext. 105 or by email at religiouseducation@churchofsaintluke.org.

*OCIC- Order of Christian Initiation for Children
Students in grades 3 through 12 who have not received the Sacraments of Reconciliation and First Eucharist may register for the OCIC program in order to receive these sacraments. The OCIC program is a two year program. The first year, the student enrolls in our typical faith formation program. The second year, the student enrolls in our typical faith formation program and as well as OCIC classes. Please contact the Faith Formation Office for registration information at 570-421-9097 ext. 105 or by email at religiouseducation@churchofsaintluke.org.