In this sacrament we share in the Paschal Mystery and receive the Body and Blood of Christ, who is really and truly present in the appearance of bread and wine. In the Eucharist, the faithful join with Christ to give thanksgiving, honor and praise to the Father through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The sacrament of the Eucharist completes our initiation into the Body of Christ. Students are instructed to understand:
1) The word Eucharist means thanksgiving.
2) Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
3) At Mass we gather for the Eucharist and do what Jesus commanded.
4) Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of the priest the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
First Communion / First Reconciliation
First Communion and First Reconciliation (confession) at St. Jude typically follow a one-year preparation process known as “immediate prep”, traditionally starting in first grade. Children must be enrolled in and attending the Faith Formation classes at St. Jude or going to one of the area Catholic schools. Reconciliation classes start in the Fall with reception of the sacrament some time during Advent. First Communion prep starts in February after reception of First Reconciliation, with First Eucharist typically happening the first Sunday after Easter.
If your child is older than second grade, we still follow a one-year process through the regular classes, but with some additional focus during the second year on the study of the sacraments.
To prepare and register your child to receive the Sacrament of First Eucharist (Communion) please contact the office at 541-344-1191 or by email at St. Jude Parish.