THE SACRAMENT OF HOLY COMMUNION
The Eucharist is the heart and the summit of the Church's life, for in it Christ associates his Church and all her members with his sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving offered once for all on the cross to his Father; by this sacrifice he pours out the graces of salvation on his Body which is the Church. (Catechism, 1407).
First Holy Communion normally occurs during the Second Grade, and involves a yearlong process of preparation, either through the Catholic Schools or through our Religious Education program. For more information, or with questions, contact us. If you are an adult or older student desiring to receive Communion for the first time, please contact us about the RCIA program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ATTENDING MASS
What should I do when I arrive?
We invite you to arrive early and spend a few minutes in prayer before Mass begins! In your pews, you’ll find a Missalette/hymnal to follow along with the readings and music. We hope you find our Masses to be solemn, prayerful, and reverent. Each Mass is a celebration of the heavenly liturgy, joining together with the angels and saints, and with every member of the Body of Christ throughout the world, past, present and future. Our goal at Mass is not to entertain an audience, but to draw all present into this eternal mystery of Jesus Christ so our lives can be totally transformed by Him!
What about kids? Is there childcare?
Kids are always welcome at Mass! They might ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord,’ but they’re in good company at Christ the King. Childcare is not provided as we want children to learn the Faith by watching their parents and participating in the liturgy, as much as they’re able to. However, you are most welcome to use the gathering space or cafeteria for nursing, privacy or kiddos who need some time and space.
Who can receive Communion?
Near the end of every Mass, Catholics receive Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a holy moment, and should only be undertaken by practicing Catholics in good standing. However, many of our visitors are young children, non-Catholic guests, or Catholics who need the Sacrament of Confession. Although they should not receive Eucharist until they are ready, they are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing from the minister if they so choose. To receive this blessing, fold your arms over your chest (in the shape of a “W”) and bow your head when you approach the front of the Communion line. For the complete Guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion, please click here.
When can I go to Confession?
If you’re a Catholic who’s been away from the Church, we cannot encourage you enough to take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession. A priest is available in the confessional every Saturday from 3:15-3:45 PM as well as on each First Friday of the month from 8:30-9:15 AM and is happy to assist you in making a good Confession and receiving God’s abundant mercy. You are also welcome to contact the parish to make an appointment for Confession outside of the scheduled time. You can remain anonymous in making such an appointment.
What do I need to become Catholic and receive Holy Communion?
What a beautiful desire! If you’d like to become Catholic and prepare to receive the Eucharist, or if you would just like to explore the Catholic Faith without any official commitment contact us or stop by in person at our parish office.
Do I need to become a member in order to participate in Mass?
You are always welcome to attend Mass! However, if you are Catholic, it is important to have a spiritual home by registering in a parish. Sometimes Catholics hesitate to do so, waiting for the “perfect” parish to come along. The fact is, none of us are perfect, but we would love it if you joined Christ the King Parish contact us or stop by in person at our parish office to register as a parishioner.
FOR FURTHER READING...
For more information on the Eucharist, consider reading the following:
First Holy Communion normally occurs during the Second Grade, and involves a yearlong process of preparation, either through the Catholic Schools or through our Religious Education program. For more information, or with questions, contact us. If you are an adult or older student desiring to receive Communion for the first time, please contact us about the RCIA program.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ATTENDING MASS
What should I do when I arrive?
We invite you to arrive early and spend a few minutes in prayer before Mass begins! In your pews, you’ll find a Missalette/hymnal to follow along with the readings and music. We hope you find our Masses to be solemn, prayerful, and reverent. Each Mass is a celebration of the heavenly liturgy, joining together with the angels and saints, and with every member of the Body of Christ throughout the world, past, present and future. Our goal at Mass is not to entertain an audience, but to draw all present into this eternal mystery of Jesus Christ so our lives can be totally transformed by Him!
What about kids? Is there childcare?
Kids are always welcome at Mass! They might ‘make a joyful noise unto the Lord,’ but they’re in good company at Christ the King. Childcare is not provided as we want children to learn the Faith by watching their parents and participating in the liturgy, as much as they’re able to. However, you are most welcome to use the gathering space or cafeteria for nursing, privacy or kiddos who need some time and space.
Who can receive Communion?
Near the end of every Mass, Catholics receive Holy Communion, the Body and Blood of Christ. This is a holy moment, and should only be undertaken by practicing Catholics in good standing. However, many of our visitors are young children, non-Catholic guests, or Catholics who need the Sacrament of Confession. Although they should not receive Eucharist until they are ready, they are welcome to come forward and receive a blessing from the minister if they so choose. To receive this blessing, fold your arms over your chest (in the shape of a “W”) and bow your head when you approach the front of the Communion line. For the complete Guidelines for the Reception of Holy Communion, please click here.
When can I go to Confession?
If you’re a Catholic who’s been away from the Church, we cannot encourage you enough to take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession. A priest is available in the confessional every Saturday from 3:15-3:45 PM as well as on each First Friday of the month from 8:30-9:15 AM and is happy to assist you in making a good Confession and receiving God’s abundant mercy. You are also welcome to contact the parish to make an appointment for Confession outside of the scheduled time. You can remain anonymous in making such an appointment.
What do I need to become Catholic and receive Holy Communion?
What a beautiful desire! If you’d like to become Catholic and prepare to receive the Eucharist, or if you would just like to explore the Catholic Faith without any official commitment contact us or stop by in person at our parish office.
Do I need to become a member in order to participate in Mass?
You are always welcome to attend Mass! However, if you are Catholic, it is important to have a spiritual home by registering in a parish. Sometimes Catholics hesitate to do so, waiting for the “perfect” parish to come along. The fact is, none of us are perfect, but we would love it if you joined Christ the King Parish contact us or stop by in person at our parish office to register as a parishioner.
FOR FURTHER READING...
For more information on the Eucharist, consider reading the following:
- The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: Basic Questions and Answers (USCCB) [HTML]
- The Eucharist by Peter Kreeft (Catholic Information Service) [PDF]
- Questions & Answers on the Eucharist (Pennsylvania Catholic Conference/Catholic Information Service) [PDF]
- The Holy Eucharist by Father Bernard Mulcahy, OP (Catholic Information Service) [PDF]
- The Eucharist: Sacrament and Sacrifice by Father Giles Dimock, OP (Catholic Information Service) [PDF]
- Light and Silence: A Eucharistic Diary by Bishop Massimo Camisasca (Catholic Information Service) [PDF]
- Saint Paul VI, Encyclical Mysterium Fidei [HTML]
- Saint John Paul II, Encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia [HTML]
- Saint John Paul II, Apostolic Letter Dies Domini [HTML]
- Pope Benedict XVI, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation Sacramentum Caritatis [HTML]