I hunger for the bread of God, the flesh of Jesus Christ ... I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.
-St. Ignatius of Antioch
"I throw myself at the foot of the Tabernacle like a dog at the foot of his Master." -St. John Vianney
Listen to Fr. Simon's homily on Real Presence and Reverence to the Holy Eucharist. HERE
Receiving the Holy Eucharist
Catholic Core belief about the Holy Eucharist:
The Holy Eucharist is the "source and summit of the Christian life" (LG 11, CCC 1324). We, Catholics believe in the Real Presence (CCC 1373).
The Holy Eucharist is not a symbol or a reminder. The Holy Eucharist is Lord Jesus Christ truly present, his Body under the form of bread, the Blessed Sacrament, and his Blood under the form of wine, the Precious Blood (CCC1374). It is the "Heart of the Heart of God" (Fr. Simon referencing to approved Holy Eucharistic miracles scientifically proven to be heart tissues). It is the sacrament in which Lord Jesus is truly present - Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity under the appearances of bread and wine (CCC1376).
Preparation for Receiving Holy Communion:
IMPORTANT: In the light of an incident that happened in our parish involving the desecration of the Blessed Eucharist, our priest, our ministers, and/or concerned parishioners may "intervene" should this norm be ignored. Someone might stop you from walking away with a Sacred Host in your hand. Please consume the Sacred Host in front of the minister before moving back to the pew.
Non Catholic and Fellow Christians:
Because Catholics believe that the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life, and worship, members of those churches with whom we are not yet fully united are ordinarily NOT admitted (see CCC 1401) to Holy Communion. You may stay seated in the pews and may not approach the altar. (CCC 1400)
Those Who Cannot or Will Not Receive Holy Communion:
All who are not receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus and with one another. We welcome to Ss. Peter and Lambert Parish and to the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist those who do not share our faith in Lord Jesus Christ. While we cannot admit them to Holy Communion (ibid.), we ask them to stay seated in the pews and offer their prayers for the peace and the unity of the human family.
Listen to Fr. Simon's (St. Lambert's former pastor) homily on Real Presence and Reverence to the Holy Eucharist. Click HERE