“Then he took a cup, and after giving thanks he said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves; for I tell you that from now on I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And he did the same with the cup after supper saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood” (Luke 22: 17-20).
Communion in the Body and Blood of Christ is the regular food and celebration of our Christian Life. It is the point, the gift, and the call, of the first two sacraments of Initiation, our Baptism and Confirmation into the life of the risen Christ in his Spirit.
At the Last Supper Jesus gave his disciples his Body and Blood in the form of bread and wine taken, blessed, broken and shared. He does the same for his disciples each day in the bread and wine taken, blessed, broken and shared in his name, his words, and his way in the celebration of the Eucharist, or Mass.
As our Bread of Life, Communion is shared each day in the Mass. As the Body and Blood of Christ Communion brings us into his presence each day. As a sharing in his Body and Blood Communion builds us, the gathered church, into his continuing presence and mission in our world today.
Communion is “the source, and the summit” of our Christian life:
Where it comes from, Jesus Christ;
and where it leads us to, Jesus Christ.
How do I receive Communion?
Communion is shared at Mass, usually every Sunday.
Adults are brought into Communion as the completion of their Initiation (entry) into the Church (the Communion, or Body, of Christ) by Baptism and Confirmation on Easter Night.
Adults already Baptised in another denomination are brought into Communion with a welcome from the church and a commitment from themselves, often at Easter, after suitable preparation.
Children are brought into Communion by their parents and family after suitable preparation in home, parish, and school. There is usually a chance to mark this with a first celebration of Communion in the child’s church community, in Eastertide. The Parish works with families to prepare through winter and the spring.
Who can share Communion?
After their first Communion all the faithful are free, and are encouraged, to receive Communion regularly, unless they feel in conscience that they have cut themselves off from the Communion by moral, spiritual or habitual problems or barriers.
How often should I celebrate Communion?
Jesus offers us his Body and Blood as our daily bread. We need this nourishment as often as possible.
Regular Sunday Communion strengthens us, and strengthens our community.
The tradition of the Church suggest that to receive Communion at least once a year is the very minimum beyond which we are no longer really part of the Communion of the Body of Christ, the Church.
How do I get back into Communion if I feel or know I have cut myself off?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation frees us from sin, and reconciles us to Christ in his Body, the Church.
