Eucharist

The sacrament of the Eucharist is our family meal. It is the sacrament in which Jesus shares Himself most completely with us.  We believe that Jesus truly becomes physically present to us under the signs of bread and wine. On the night he was betrayed, Jesus ate the Passover meal with his disciples, offering the bread and the cup with the words, “This is my body” and “This is my blood” (Matthew 26:26-28). He asked the disciples to do what he did in His memory, and the Church continues to celebrate this meal in the Mass. 

Masses are held throughout the week at both Interfaith Centers, in both English and Spanish. See Mass schedule for details.

First Eucharist Preparation (adults)

People who have decided to explore becoming Catholic go through a process called RCIA – The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. This process is for those who have never been baptized as well as for some of those baptized into other Christian denominations. We gather regularly throughout the year on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am (after the 9:00 Mass at WL, before the 12:15 pm Mass at WL). We are usually done at 12:00 pm. For more information, please contact Deacon Paul Gifford at paul.gifford@sjerc.org

First Eucharist Preparation (grades 7-12)

In St. John’s Youth Ministry, we give young people the opportunity to experience Eucharist is a hands on a life way. More than just walking you through the motions, we want the young person to have a holistic experience of the sacrament grounded with a solid catechetical component. It is anticipated that young people would have already received the Sacraments of Baptism and First Reconciliation / Confession before their First Eucharist.

For more information, please contact Scott Miller 410-964-1425 x316 or scott.miller@sjerc.org

First Eucharist Preparation (grades 2-6)

If your child is approaching 1st grade and you are thinking about First Communion, or if your son or daughter is in 1st – 6th grade and wants to prepare for their First Communion, contact Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x325. There is a process for each child depending on their age and prior preparation.   We look forward to talking with you about your child.

In addition to Immediate Preparation Meetings (see below), children should be enrolled in some form of regular Religious Education (e.g., the Sunday Morning Program, the Family Program or Catechesis of the Good Shepherd either here at St. John’s or at another parish, or attend a Catholic school) both the year they receive the sacrament and the year before. 

There are two preparation meetings for parent and child:

  • A retreat for the Spanish-speaking classes will be held on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center from 8:30 am to 12:00 pm in room 4.
    • El retiro de preparación de Primera Comunión para los Padres de Familia que hablan español será el sábado 8 de febrero en Wilde Lake Interfaith Center, de 8:30 am a 12:00 pm.
  • The meeting for students in English-speaking classes will be held on Sunday, February 23rd, 2020 at Wilde Lake Interfaith Center. The meeting is  scheduled from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm in room 4.

First Eucharist Ceremonies

Detail information will be sent through e-mail.

Contact: Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x325