For 1st Communion questions, please feel free to contact
Rev. James Farnan, pastor, at reledstmatthias@gmail.com or by phone at 724-966-7270, ext. 202.

As Catholics, we believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal, bearing the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we are also nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. .

The Eucharist (from the Greek word eucharistia 'thanksgiving') is the sacrament of the body and blood of Christ in which he is present under the forms of bread and wine offering himself in the sacrifice of the Mass and giving himself as spiritual food to the faithful. At the Last Supper, the Lord instituted the eucharistic sacrifice of his body and blood. He did this in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to the church a memorial of his death and resurrection. The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

For Catholics 

• As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive holy Communion.

• We are encouraged to receive Communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive Communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour.

• A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the body and blood of Christ without prior sacramental confession, except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for confession.

• In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (Code of Canon Law,Canon 916). A frequent reception of the sacrament of reconciliation is encouraged for all.

• Catechism of the Catholic Church (The Sacrament of the Eucharist, Article #1322 through #1419)

For those who are interested in becoming Catholic, 
First Communion is part of the Catholic Rite of Christian Adult Initiation, which is also known as RCIA. 

For those who are not yet of adult age, First Communion is available for younger Catholics
through our Religious Education Program.

Jesus said: “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if any one eats of this bread, he will live for ever;... he who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and... abides in me, and I in him” (Jn 6:51, 54, 56).

Coming Lent 2021 (Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17)
Why return to Mass? Our very lives depend on it. It’s the summit of God’s plan for our salvation.

It’s time to wake Catholics up to the awesome power, the incredible gift, that is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. The alternative is unthinkable.

In our latest Journey Through Scripture study, get ready to join host Scott Hahn to uncover how and why all of God’s action, in creation and redemption, is ordered to the Mass.

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