The Sacrament of the Eucharist, also called the Mass, is “the source and summit of the Christian Life.” All of the other sacraments point to it. When the priest prays the words of consecration over the bread and wine at Mass, we believe, in accordance with the teaching of Jesus, that they become his Body and Blood. We receive this most precious of gifts in Holy Communion, which intimately unites us with Jesus and helps us become more like him through the grace he gives us by his very presence in our human bodies. Because the Son of God is truly present in the Eucharist, Catholics also adore the Blessed Sacrament during Exposition, and we reverence the tabernacle where the Eucharist is placed after Mass.
Catholics who are ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist are invited to receive Holy Communion during Mass. Our hearts are ready to receive him when we have been baptized in the Catholic Church (or baptized in another church and later received into the Catholic Church) and are not in a state of serious sin. If you are not yet ready to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, you are welcome to line up during Communion and receive a blessing (indicated by placing your hands across your chest).
If you would like to learn more about preparing to receive the Eucharist yourself, please contact the parish office.
First Communion
St. Leonard Parish is always accepting applications for the First Communion / First Reconciliation preparation program, with the school program running yearly.
Registration is open to all children from grade two and up, whether they have been baptized or not. Those children who are not baptized will also have to make an application for this sacrament as well, which will be provided once we receive your application for first Communion.
Thank you and God bless,
The St. Leonard First Communion prep team
