Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

During consecration, the bread and wine are transubstantiated into the Body and Blood of Christ.

"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).

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 with Christ this side of heaven than reception of Holy Communion.

The second book of Maccabees reminds us that, "it is good and holy thought to pray for the dead." The faith community of Our Lady of Mercy remembers in a special way those "who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith." Masses are offered regularly in remembrance of the deceased. In addition, individuals can also have a Mass celebrated for the intention of the living. To make arrangements to have a Mass celebrated for the intention of a specific person, living or deceased, please contact the rectory during normal business hours.

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 during normal business hours. In addition, Holy Communion is provided to Catholic residents of Brevillier Village. Catholic facilities (i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, etc.) that are operated by the Archdiocese or by religious communities usually have a full-time chaplain to administer the sacraments. Please check with the administrators of such facilities as to the availability of such services. In the event of emergency or serious illness, arrangements for Holy Communion can be made by calling the rectory at (814) 899-5342.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION

First Holy Communion is celebrated every May with parish children in the third grade. Children are prepared for their reception of this most holy and important sacrament via our parish Religious Education program. Individuals must have celebrated the sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation prior to the celebration of their First Eucharist. Students are required to participate in an April retreat day as part of the preparation program. Parents who have children enrolled in private Catholic schools should contact the Director of Religious Education to make arrangements for First Holy Communion.

Teenagers and adults who are baptized Catholics and have never received Holy Communion are prepared for reception of this sacrament through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Inquiries into the RCIA should be directed to Irene Lucas at (814) 899-6132.

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The journey of Christian discipleship is an awesome undertaking. The road is full of surprises. You travel in the company of fantastic people of faith. The Guide has never lead anyone astray and has been known to carry those who weary. And the destination is out of this world. Come and join us on this journey of Christian discipleship.

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