Holy Communion
"The greatest love story of all time is contained in a tiny white host." - Ven. Fulton Sheen
The Holy Eucharist is the "source and summit" of the Christian Life - the source of all grace, and the realization of the intimate union with God towards which we are all striving (a foretaste of heaven !). Holy Communion " preserves , increases, and renews the life of grace received at Baptism" (CCC 1392), cleanses us and washes away venial sins, helps to preserve us from future sin, strengthens us and helps us to grow in virtue (especially charity), and unites us with the Church (all other baptized souls). What a gift! As St. John Vianney tells us, " There is nothing so great as the Eucharist. If God had something more precious, He would have given it to us ."
The Eucharist is the gift of God's very Self to us - His Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity - given to us to consume. The Eucharist is the Heart of God , present to us every moment of every day in what appears to be bread but is substantially His Body, His Real Presence !
Regular reception of Holy Communion is the surest way to grow in virtue, to become more like Christ, and to experience true joy and happiness in this life, and in the next (in heaven). For this reason, prepartion to receive Holy Communion for the first time is extremely important and is not to be taken lightly! Although initial preparation for children to receive Holy Communion is typically a two-year process (beginning in 1st grade) , it is also true that it is a life-long process - we prepare our hearts anew each time we attend Mass.
If you or your child would like to prepare to receive Holy Communion for the first time, please contact Jessica Pehmoeller at the Parish Office: jessica.pehmoeller@stwendelin.org or 419-435-6692 x338.
If your child is more than 7 years old, or if you are an adult and have not yet received Holy Communion for the first time, please do not hesitate to contact us - you are not too late! Jesus has been waiting to be united with your heart for centuries, and He rejoices in your desire to receive Him in the Eucharist, no matter what your age!
