The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that "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 faith of the entire Church is that the Sacrament of the Eucharist is Jesus himself, perpetuating his one sacrifice on our behalf for the forgiveness of sins and the salvation of us all. 

In order to receive the Eucharist in Holy Communion, one must be baptized, a Catholic in good standing, and free from mortal sin. Those who know in their conscience that they have fallen into mortal sin are greatly encouraged to experience the endless mercy of God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

For the First Holy Communion of children, the policy of Christ Prince of Peace and St. Lawrence is that they must be receiving regular religious education for two academic years prior to receiving First Holy Communion. At both parishes, children typically do not receive FIrst Holy Communion prior to their second grade year in school. For more information, contact Bill Cloonan at Christ Prince of Peace or Paula Sypulski at St. Lawrence.

For non-Catholics interested in learning more about the Eucharist and adolosecent or adult Catholics that never received First Holy Communion, please contact the RCIA Director JoAnn Kochman.