The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist.

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Eucharist when we receive holy communion. We are encouraged to receive communion devoutly and frequently. In order to be properly disposed to receive communion, participants should not be conscious of grave sin and normally should have fasted for one hour. A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior sacramental confession except for a grave reason where there is not opportunity for confession. In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible (Code of Canon Law, CANON 916). A frequent reception of the sacrament of penance is encouraged for all.

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, 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.
~Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322 & 1323

Sacrament of First Holy Communion

This sacrament is celebrated in the Spring of the 2nd grade at St. Teresa of Avila. The program consists of regular attendance at Faith Formation classes during the 1st and 2nd grades, as well as a family retreat. Please contact the Faith Formation Office at 706-863-0252.

Sacrament of Holy Communion to Homebound/Sick

Eucharist Ministers can bring Holy Communion to parishioners who become seriously sick, are homebound due to a disability, or to permanent residents of local nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Please contact the Church Office at 706-863-4956.