What is the Eucharist (Holy Communion)?

The Eucharist (Holy Communion) is a re-enactment of the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his crucifixion. At the meal Jesus shared unleavened bread and wine (the staple food of the time) and he instructed his disciples to continue to do this to remember him.

‘And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body given for you (on the Cross); do this in remembrance of me.” … he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you (on the Cross). Do this in memory of me.”

Catholics believe that the piece of bread (host) that is "taken, blessed, broken and given" by the priest, becomes the life of Jesus which was taken, blessed, broken (on the cross) and given in sacrifice for us.

Although the bread and wine physically remain the same, when it is blessed during the Mass it is transformed beyond human comprehension into the life of Jesus. This is called Transubstantiation (the real presence of Jesus in Holy Communion) and it is the most important act of worship.

We go to Mass to receive Jesus’ life into ourselves in Holy Communion just as he asked us to do. And by doing this we are united with each other and strengthened and nourished by Jesus himself for the journey of our lives.

After we receive Jesus at Mass, we are told by the priest to GO FORTH… This means that the Mass is only the beginning; that we are to take Jesus love and share it with all those we meet outside the Church.

First Holy Communion- this Sunday

Please pray for the children at our school and in our Parish who are preparing to receive their First Holy Communion at Mass this Sunday September 20.

All are welcome and encouraged to SHARE in this celebration as these children are welcomed more fully into the Faith community – a community to nourish and support them for life.

Catholic Mission Month- October

In the month of October, the Catholic Church (including all Catholic Schools) focuses especially on following the mission of Jesus - reaching out to do all we can to help those in our world who are struggling from injustice, poverty and neglect.

With every country around the world (including our own) affected in some way by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that now, more than ever, we stand together in solidarity with our brothers and sisters and support them in any way we can.

Next term our school focus values will be JUSTICE and SERVICE. In week 4 we will hold our MISSION day. This is a day of prayer and activities focused on helping those in need in our world. One of the popular fundraising activities on this day is – of course – the WHITE ELEPHANT STALL. If you are cleaning out your cupboards over the holidays please remember to put aside donations of goodies for this Stall. All donations may be dropped at school any time from the beginning of next term.