The word Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” The Catechism lists several terms to describe the Eucharist: Lord’s Supper, Breaking of Bread, Eucharistic assembly, memorial of the Lord’s Passion and Resurrection, the Holy Sacrifice, the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Most Blessed Sacrament, Holy Communion, and Holy Mass. (CCC, 1328 – 1332)
The Eucharist is a sacrifice in that in it Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross. The Eucharistic sacrifice represents the sacrifice of the cross…the sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice (CCC, 1365 – 1372)
For children baptized at infancy, the Church extends the reception of the sacraments of Initiation to cover most of early development. Traditionally, the reception of First Eucharist comes around the age 8, or second grade. Preparation for the reception of this sacrament requires a two period of instruction beginning with first grade.
Children attending Catholic school receive instruction during school time. Children attending private or public school must attend Parish School of Religion (PSR). In addition, all children must attend Mass faithfully.