Our Sacramental Life

Holy Eucharist

“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst”
-John 6:35
The Lord Jesus, on the night before he suffered on the cross, shared one last meal with his disciples. During this meal, our Savior instituted the sacrament of his Body and Blood.

What is the Eucharist?

The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving.

In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present — body, blood, soul, and divinity — under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the “Real Presence” of Christ in the Eucharist.

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Liturgy of the Eucharist begins with the preparation of the gifts and the altar. As the ministers prepare the altar, representatives of the people bring forward the bread and wine that will become the Body and Blood of Christ. The celebrant blesses and praises God for these gifts and places them on the altar, the place of the Eucharistic sacrifice. In addition to the bread and wine, monetary gifts for the support of the Church and the care of the poor may be brought forward. The Prayer over the Offerings concludes this preparation and disposes all for the Eucharistic Prayer.

Mandatory Parent Meeting

Parents of all children who will be enrolled in our Sacramental Program for this year’s FIRST EUCHARIST are asked to attend a Mandatory “Parent Only” Meeting at

1:00 or 7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Join us in the Parish Center for information regarding First Eucharist. Parents must attend this meeting in order that their child be enrolled in the Program. Please confirm by emailing religiousformation@stmaryrutherford.org and lconsidine@disabatolaw.com, coordinator of the Sacramental Program. Please let her know which session you will attend!