The Sacrament of Holy Eucharist is the true Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ under the appearance of bread and wine. The bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ by the power of God through the ministry of the Priest during the sacrifice of the Mass at the Consecration.

Our Lord recognized that eating and drinking assume a special meaning when experienced in community, bringing about a sense of unity, a communion.  At the Last Supper, Jesus invited us to "take and eat…take and drink" of His flesh and blood.  In receiving the sacrament of Holy Eucharist, Holy Communion, we are accepting His invitation, forming an intimate union with Him.

The Church teaches that Jesus is truly and wholly present both under the sign of bread and under the sign of wine. You may choose to receive only the consecrated bread;  the consecrated wine is not a requirement.  However, to receive both is to share in the fuller sign of Christ’s presence.


At this time at St. Hyacinth, Catholics may receive Holy Communion under both species, bread and wine, at all the Sunday Masses. You may choose whether to receive the Eucharistic bread in your hand or on your tongue.  You may never dip the host into the chalice.  While any child who has received his first Holy Communion may drink from the chalice, many children prefer to wait until they are older.  This decision should made by the individual child and his parents.

Although non-Catholics are not permitted to receive Holy Communion, they are still invited to participate in the spirit of the sacrament. They can come forward with their arms crossed on their chest, and the priest or Eucharistic Minister will give them a blessing.  This practice also applies to Catholics who, for various reasons, are not eligible to receive the sacrament, and for children who have not yet received their First Holy Communion.

If you know of hospitalized parishioners, or sick or elderly shut-ins who would like to receive Holy Communion in the hospital or in their home, please notify the parish office.  Our Extraordinary Eucharistic Ministers can help with arrangements.
 

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Last modified: 06/04/08