Holy Eucharist

Are you seeking to rediscover your friendship with Jesus? Haven't been to Mass in a while and wondering where to start? Start by getting to know Jesus again through prayer. It doesn't matter how long its been since you have been to Mass. You are always invited to encounter Jesus in the Mass.

The Eucharist is offered upon request to the home-bound, disabled or sick and at every Mass celebrated. 
 

"Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.'" - John 6:35

Christ instituted the first Mass beginning on Holy Thursday night at the Last Supper and leading into Good Friday when He offered Himself once and for all on the cross as a sacrifice in atonement for all the sins of the world, yours and mine alike: “This is My body given up for you. This is My blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.”

Although Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice once and for all upon the cross, He intended that His Church down through the ages would have access to and participate in that one saving event by means of the Mass: “Do this in memory of Me.”

The Mass is not simply a symbol or a re-enactment of a past event, but a real participation in that one saving event made present on the altar today. That is why the Mass is the supreme form of prayer and worship for a Catholic.

If you have never been to Mass before we understand that it may feel foreign at first, and some parts will seem confusing. Broadly, the Mass is divided into two main parts: Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

During the Liturgy of the Word there are various prayers, readings from the Old and New Testament, a homily, and the whole congregation recites the Creed together.

In the Liturgy of the Eucharist the sacrifice of Christ at Calvary becomes present on the altar, the Catholic faithful receive the Holy Eucharist, and spend some time in thankful reflection before the final blessing/dismissal.

Books are typically available in the pews which you can use as a reference. If you are thinking of coming to Mass and are nervous we suggest you come a few minutes early. You can even simply observe from the back if that is more comfortable. After Mass you are more than welcome to speak with the pastor about your experience.

Christ came not to leave us symbols, but to bring us supernatural life – His own divine life! The Holy Eucharist is not a symbol but actually the real, living presence of our Risen Lord (body, blood, soul, and divinity).

When Catholics receive Holy Eucharist, it is an act of unity with all those in the Catholic Church throughout the world, an act of belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Therefore, only those who believe in the True Presence may receive the Eucharist and take part in this sacrament of unity with Christ and His Church.

The sacraments are the primary and ordinary means by which God gives and increases this supernatural life. Just as any living thing needs to be born and fed to live, similarly, every person needs to be supernaturally born (Baptism) and fed (Eucharist) in order for the divine life to grow.

We should always approach the Eucharist with respect, gratitude, faith, love, and worship.

Thank you for your interest in assisting with the Liturgy of the Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. Please read the descriptions below for the available positions and fill out this interest form!