Holy Eucharist
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.
The Eucharist is the third sacrament of Initiation by which Catholics partake of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. So important is it that participation in the Eucharistic celebration is seen as obligatory on every Sunday and Holy Day and is encouraged on other days.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states: “In the most blessed sacrament of the Eucharist ‘the body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained.’ This presence is called “real” too, but because it is presence in the fullest sense: that is to say, it is asubstantial presence by which Christ, God and man, makes himself wholly and entirely present” [No. 1374].
First ComMunion
If not Catholic or never Baptized, please visit the OCIA/Becoming Catholic page.
If your child is Catholic but has not received their First Holy Communion, please inquire.
For more information, reach out to the point of contact for your church, listed below.
PREPARATION Program
The first Eucharist (Communion) preparation program consists of these components:
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Since parental involvement in catechesis is essential in the initiation process of the child, a First Communion Prep Night is required for the parent/guardian and the child receiving the sacrament.
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The child must be a baptized Catholic and attend PSR/Catholic school regularly (no more than 2 absences per semester) and actively participate in a two-year preparation period. Eucharist preparation begins in grade one and the immediate preparation begins in grade two.
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Baptismal certificates must be on file in order for the child to receive the sacrament Participation in "Jesus Day" retreat is required.
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Completion of a family banner to hang in the church on First Communion Day
Criteria for Readiness
The candidate:
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Expresses a verbal desire to receive the Eucharist.
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Participates in the Eucharistic Liturgy with an awareness of what she/he is doing.
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Gives evidence of an understanding and appreciation of his/her Catholic beliefs and traditions appropriate to the child's age.
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Understands the difference between ordinary bread and wine and the Eucharist.
First Communion
Get in contact to enroll your child in preparation for receiving Jesus in the Eucharist.
Mary, Help of Christians
Contact: Julie Sewell | jsewell@smafp.org | 937-878-8353 OR Michael Barclay | mbarclay@smafp.org
Sacred Heart
Contact: Luz Maria Perez | lperez@smafp.org | 937-845-3121 | Bilingual OR Michael Barclay | mbarclay@smafp.org
St. Augustine
Contact: Della Weidel | dweidel@smafp.org OR Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306
St. Brigid & St. Brigid School
Contact: Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306 OR Carol Keating (for St. Brigid School) | ckeating@stbrigidxenia.org
St. Luke, St. Luke School, & St. Paul
Contact: Mary Pyper | mpyper@smafp.org | 937-426-1733 xt. 6306
Eucharistic Adoration
In Eucharistic Adoration, we spend time in prayer and contemplation before the Blessed Sacrament, adoring the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. It is a moment of profound silence and peace where we can listen to the Lord and offer Him our hearts, finding renewal in His presence.
True Presence
Jesus Christ is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity— in the Eucharist.
Reception Guidelines
Coming soon.