Similar to how food nourishes the body, so Holy Communion nourishes the soul – except for the fact that, whereas our bodies change food into being part of us, Holy Communion changes us to be more like Christ.

At every Mass, the priest, acting in the very Person of Christ by virtue of his ordination, and using the very words of Christ Himself, consecrates bread and wine so that it is forever changed into the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Christ.

For children, preparation to receive this Sacrament ordinarily begins when they are in 1st Grade and ends in 2nd Grade, either as part of the regular course of studies at a Catholic school or by participating in our Parish Religious Education program.

During this time, children deepen their love for, and relationship with Christ, learn more about the Eucharist and, to prepare themselves as much as possible, celebrate the Sacrament of Confession for the first time.

If you are a high school student or an adult and would like to receive this Sacrament for the first time, please call our parish office at 717-272-4412 and ask to speak with our Director of Parish Religious Education.

- Information courtesy of Saint Theresa Parish, New Cumberland