Mass Times MASS TIMES BULLETIN Email HOME LIVE STREAM OUR PARISH SACRAMENTS EDUCATION PREP FORMED MINISTRIES EVENTS & NEWS Holy Eucharist Sacraments Baptism Holy Eucharist Reconciliation (Penance) Confirmation Anointing of the Sick Holy Matrimony Holy Orders 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 Passover" (Catechism, 1324). During consecration, the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Christ. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity (Catechism 1413). SACRAMENT OF HOLY EUCHARIST Reception of Holy Communion is a sacred event in the Catholic Church. Catholic theology teaches that the bread and wine consecrated during Mass is transubstantiated into the true Divine Presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the sacramental character of the priest. What does this mean? It means that the substances of bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus even though its appearance remains unchanged. What we receive in Holy Communion is no longer bread and wine. Rather, "it" becomes a "Who," and that "Who" is none other than Jesus Himself. There is no greater intimacy with Christ this side of heaven than reception of Holy Communion. MINISTRY TO THE SICK AND HOMEBOUND Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion administer Holy Communion regularly each Sunday in the home of our aged and infirmed parishioners who cannot come to Mass. To make arrangements for such visitation, please contact the rectory at 215-725-1240. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION First Holy Communion is celebrated every Spring with parish children in grade 2 or above. Children are prepared for their reception of this most holy and important sacrament in our parish school or PREP. Teenagers and adults who are baptized Catholics and have never received Holy Communion are prepared for reception of this sacrament through RCIA. Home Mass Options Live Stream Our Parish Boundaries and Directions Pastor's Corner Our Mission Statement About Our Patron Staff Safe Environment Parish History Mass Times Bulletin Sacraments Baptism Holy Eucharist Reconciliation (Penance) Confirmation Anointing of the Sick Holy Matrimony Holy Orders Education St. Cecilia School Adult Faith Formation PREP Formed Ministries Parish Ministries Student Ministries Councils Events & News Parish Events Parish Sponsors Services Available Volunteer Opportunities Calendar Parish Photos Login powered by eCatholic®