Called by various names such as Blessed Sacrament, the Lord’s Supper, the Holy Communion, the Holy Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery whereby we participate in the divine life of Jesus Christ. One of three Sacraments of Initiation along with Baptism and Confirmation, the Holy Eucharist completes Christian Initiation insofar as it is “the source and summit” of the Christian life (CCC 1324).The Eucharist is the Heart of the Church’s life as it flows from the very Heart of Christ (John 19), causing us to “remain” or “abide” in Christ and to be nourished in Christ, “the true vine” (John 15). The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of our communion in divine life and of the unity of the Church.
Children's First Holy Communion
Adults Who Desire Holy Communion
For your child’s preparation for First Holy Communion, see First Holy Communion.
In some cases, baptized Catholics have not yet received First Holy Communion. Or, baptized Christians in non-Catholic traditions have come to desire the fullness of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. In either case, learn more at our Exploring Catholicism page.
Exploring Catholicism