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)
- First Eucharist Preparation (grades 7-12)
- First Eucharist Preparation (grades 2-6)
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. For more information, please contact Deacon Paul Gifford at paul.gifford@sjerc.org
First Eucharist Preparation (grades 7-12)
In our Youth Ministry, we give young people the opportunity to experience Eucharist in a hands-on life way. 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 Pablo Maldonado 410-964-1425 x318 or pablo.maldonado@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 x319. 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 Saturday Morning Program or the Family Program 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
English Reconciliation preparation meeting will be at WLIFC on Tuesday, January 21st, 2025, at 6:00 pm in room 4.
English Eucharist preparation meeting will be at WLIFC on Tuesday, February 11th, 2025, at 6:00 pm in room 1.
Spanish Reconciliation preparation meeting will be at WLIFC on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025, in room 4.
Spanish Eucharist preparation meeting will be at WLIFC on Monday, February 25, 2025, in room 1.
First Eucharist Ceremonies
English First Eucharist ceremony will be at WLIFC on Saturday, May 3rd at 9:30 am in room 1. Spanish First Eucharist ceremony will be at WLIFC on Saturday, May 3rd at 1:00 pm in room 1.
- First Communion Song – Our God is Here: You can access the video and practice by going to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4EsaIBMp9c&t=29s
Contact: Consuelo Petro, consuelo.petro@sjerc.org or 410-964-1425 x319