Holy Communion

“The Eucharist is the very sacrifice of the Body and Blood of the Lord Jesus which He instituted to perpetuate the sacrifice of the Cross throughout the ages until His return in glory. Thus He entrusted to His Church this memorial of His death and Resurrection. It is a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a paschal banquet, in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.”

Holy Communion is the crown of all the Sacraments. Jesus promised to be with us always, and He continues in a special, real way His Presence through the Most Blessed Sacrament, which Catholics are privileged to receive in Holy Communion. At the heart of the Holy Mass are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, truly and substantially become the Body and Blood of the risen and glorified Lord Jesus. We receive no mere symbol – we receive Christ Himself as He promised: “My Flesh is true food, and My Blood is true drink” (St. John 6:55; see Bread of Life Discourse, John 6:24-71).

Normally in our diocese, children receive this Sacrament after the age of reason, which is usually in or around 2nd grade. In order to receive either First Holy Communion or Confirmation, if students are not in our Catholic Schools system, children must attend two full years of religious instruction in our parish’s Christian Formation program (CCD).

For more information on receiving First Holy Communion for children, teens, or adults, please contact Mary Ellen Jackson at 803.507.1060 or email at mjackson@charlestondiocese.org.