We read in John’s Gospel, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (John 6: 35).
In Holy Communion, Jesus gives us his very self – Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. We as Roman Catholics believe in the Real Presence. The Eucharist is not a mere symbol, but Christ himself in the appearance of ordinary bread and wine. Our Lord instituted this sacrament at the Last Supper, when he said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” We fulfill his command by gathering as a community every Sunday to hear the Word of God and to receive our Savior in the Holy Communion. The priest is present and stands in the person of Christ, and is validly ordained to consecrate the bread and wine into Jesus’ body and blood by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Our faith life here at St. Julie is anchored in the Eucharist, especially the Sunday Eucharist. As the documents of the Second Vatican Council remind us; the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. Everything comes forth from, and returns to, the Eucharist. All of our vibrant ministries find their origin in our hearts and minds being raised to God in worship.
First Holy Communion at St. Julie Billiart
- First Holy Communion is celebrated when children are in 2nd grade and are enrolled in the Religious Education program, or are students at the Cardinal Bernadin School. First Reconciliation must be celebrated before a child receives First Holy Communion, which is held in the Spring shortly after Easter. Adults may receive First Holy Communion through the RCIA program.
For inquiries into First Holy Communion for children, contact the parish office (708-429-6767) and speak to a staff member in the Religious Education Office. To learn more about the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) please call the parish office and ask to speak to a staff member about RCIA.
