Eucharist is the sacrament that completes the process of initiation and is when one can fully participate in the Eucharist by receiving Holy Communion.

Eucharist is unique among the sacraments as it is at the heart of our faith. For Catholics, the Eucharist, or Mass, is the most powerful way we encounter the real presence of Jesus Christ. Sunday after Sunday (some, of course, gather everyday), Catholics gather to celebrate the Eucharist, the ritual in which, by the power of the Holy Spirit, bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We who celebrate are also transformed, becoming Christ’s presence to others, and recognising the presence of Christ in others.

Bread – Wheat is grown and ground, transformed by human work to make bread. Bread is a staple food of life.

Wine – Grapes are grown and crushed, transformed by human work to make wine. Wine symbolises joy and celebration.

Bread and wine symbolise the Creator who gives life, the one who nourishes us.

At the Last Supper Jesus gave himself in the form of bread and wine.

The Eucharist (Eucharist is a Greek word that means “thanksgiving”) is the whole ritual that has come to be known as the Mass. The Eucharist is therefore a holy moment which includes the consecration of the body and blood of Jesus.

The Eucharist includes:

• the sharing of the Word from scripture
• offering of prayers
• doing what Jesus did at the Last supper taking, blessing, breaking and sharing his body and blood
• being sent forth to live and proclaim the Good News

Who prepares the children for Eucharist?

It is the duty of parents and the parish to offer children prayerful and practical help to celebrate the sacraments with proper devotion and to form them in the rituals of receiving the sacraments. Parishes work with families to help parents prepare their children to grow in their friendship with Jesus and their connection to the Church community.

What happens if my child is coeliac?

If your child suffers from allergies speak to the priest or sacramental coordinator. Low gluten hosts are available.

What does my child need to wear?

What is appropriate will be influenced by the varying situations, traditions and wishes of the families involved and guided by parish practice. Candidates are encouraged to wear what is age appropriate and culturally appropriate for their family.

Evangelisation Brisbane and Liturgy Brisbane have developed the following resources to assist with preparation for Eucharist in the Archdiocese of Brisbane.

Evangelisation Brisbane:

my Sacramental Journey: Eucharist

‘my Sacramental Journey: Eucharist’ is a 20 page activity book designed for children and their families as they prepare for the Sacrament of Eucharist. The book takes the children on the final part of their journey to full initiation in the Catholic Church exploring scripture, prayer, the Mass, and family fun activities. Purchase through the Evangelisation Brisbane online store.

my Sacramental Journey: Confirmation to Eucharist

‘my Sacramental Journey: Confirmation to Eucharist’ is a 12 page book designed for children to use on the journey between the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist as they share their gifts of the Holy Spirit with their family, parish, school and community. Purchase through the Evangelisation Brisbane online store.

my Sacramental Journey: Eucharist to Penance

‘my Sacramental Journey: Eucharist to Penance’ is a 12 page book designed for children to use on the journey between the Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance as they live the Eucharist in their family, parish, school and community. Purchase through the Evangelisation Brisbane online store.

Liturgy Brisbane:

Our Family Prepares – Communion

This workbook from Liturgy Brisbane is designed to be used in a family setting with the child and parents working together. It enables the parish to view the record of the journey and receive the parents’ discernment of readiness. Purchase through the Liturgy Brisbane online store.