First Communion
As Catholics, we believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a sign or a symbol; we truly believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ.
The Eucharistic celebration is not simply a memorial meal. The Eucharistic celebration re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross [CCC 1366].The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice [CCC 1377]. At every Mass, the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made present. While still having the appearance of bread and wine, the bread and wine consecrated at each Mass undergo transubstantiation and become the Body and Blood of Christ.
In the Catholic Church, children receive their first communion after they attain the age of reason (age seven) and make their first Confession. The child takes instructions about the Eucharist before receiving their First Communion.
Please contact the parish office if your child is at the age where they may receive their First Communion so that we may begin preparation.
Christina Nelson
administrator@saintmaryofredford.church
Confirmation
Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. Confirmation completes the process of Christian initiation, and places an unchangeable spiritual mark on the soul.
Confirmation connects us more deeply to Christ and his Church, and fills us with more of the Holy Spirit so that we may more readily spread, witness, and defend the faith. Confirmation strengthens and deepens the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit given to Christians at Baptism, wisdom, counsel, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.
Confirmation is generally administered at the end of 8th grade. Teens must be enrolled and attend the religious education program in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Please contact the parish office if your child is at the age where they may make their Confirmation so that we may begin preparation.
Christina Nelson
administrator@saintmaryofredford.church
If you are an adult Catholic in need of making your Confirmation, please contact the parish office.
Christina Nelson
administrator@saintmaryofredford.church
Learn more about the Eucharist and Confirmation
Where did the Eucharist come from? How could the Eucharist really be Jesus in the flesh? Why did Jesus institute the Eucharist? What does Confirmation do? How does work and why do I need it? This video from Sophia Institute Press will provide some helpful background.