Eucharist

The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. (CCC 1324)

Bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit, working through the priest. Christ's body, blood, soul, and divinity is truly present under the appearances of bread and wine.

Because of His great love for us, Jesus chose to offer his own body, blood, soul, and divinity for us in reparation for our sins.


Each Mass, we are witnesses to Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, and join with Him by receiving His body and blood, in the form of the bread and wine, to nourish us spiritually.

The bread and wine are visible remembrances of His broken body and His shed blood. 


During the consecration, the invisible properties of the bread and wine are changed into the true presence of Christ.  He becomes our spiritual nourishment, and dwells within us.

First Communion in our Parish

At St. John XXIII, First Communion takes place in the Spring for students who have completed two years of prep classes.

First Holy Communion:

  • If your child will be going into the First Grade, contact the Youth Formation Director to enroll in classes. Students will go through two years of preparation and also receive First Penance.
  • The Prep classes take place during the school year months, and meet once a month after Sunday Mass.  There are other requirements also - Click here for more information on the classes.
  • Students will receive First Penance in February, and then First Communion on Mother's Day weekend.

Older Child/Adult First Communion:

First Holy Communion for Adults/Older Children are done at Easter Vigil


Candidates go through preparation  in the RCIA program and receive First Penance before receiving  Click here for more information.


Contact the Parish Office if you are considering receiving First Communion in the Catholic Church