The Catechism of the Catholic Church describes the Eucharist as “the source and summit of our faith,” (CCC 1324). In every Mass Christ makes himself present to us in the Eucharist, inviting us to enter into His sacrifice and share His Sacred Body and Precious Blood….”In every Mass, Christ is present to us in the Eucharist and as we share in this sacrificial meal, we offer ourselves in love to God, and the unity with him for which we were created is made real. If we prepare to receive the Eucharist with care and enter into it with faith, this sacrament can truly be an encounter experience that unites us with Christ and energizes us to live as his disciples.
At Our Lady of Lourdes, Catholics are invited and encouraged to take part weekly in the Lord’s Supper.
Faithful volunteers and Parish Staff will do everything possible to distribute Holy Eucharist to the sick and homebound parishioners weekly. Please call the Parish Office at 563.359.0345 for more information.
First Holy Communion
First Holy Communion is typically celebrated during 2nd grade. Preparation includes formal catechesis (either at Lourdes Catholic School or Wednesday night RE classes), regular attendance at Sunday Mass with their families, and Parish-led activities focused on the sacrament during the 2nd grade school year. This formation ensures that students have the necessary foundational knowledge of the faith and the desire to receive the sacrament when it’s appropriate. Children beyond 2nd grade will be addressed on a case-by-case basis to establish a customized plan for receiving sacraments. For more information please contact the Parish Office at 563.359.0345.
Sacraments 101: Eucharist (How We Receive)
Should Catholics receive communion on the hand or on the tongue? And how exactly are we supposed to do that reverently? Is there any other acceptable response besides “Amen?” …and what does “amen” mean anyway? These questions and more are answered in this video on what the Church calls the “summit and source of our faith,”
Sacraments 201: Eucharist (What We Believe)
How does the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ? Is Communion a reenactment of the last supper? Should you not receive Communion if you have sinned? Why can’t non-Catholics receive Communion in the Church? This video addresses these and more questions about what Catholics believe about the Holy Communion.