Eucharist
The Source and Summit of Our Faith
The Holy Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic life, described as "the source and summit" of our faith. Instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, the Eucharist makes present the sacrifice of the Cross; the bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. Through this miracle, the same Jesus who was crucified and rose from the dead may be received by Catholics today.
Each time we receive Holy Communion, we are united more deeply with Christ and His Church. This sacrament preserves and renews the life of grace received at Baptism and Confirmation, strengthens us in charity, wipes away venial sins, and helps preserve us from mortal sin in the future.
The grace of this sacrament provides supernatural food for the soul to strengthen and nourish the faithful as they seek greater union with Christ in their daily life. In the Catholic tradition, we call these graces the fruits of Holy Communion.
Catholics believe that the presence of Jesus remains in the consecrated host and Precious Blood as long as they remain unconsumed and intact. For this reason, all of the Precious Blood is consumed during the Mass. Any remaining hosts are placed in the tabernacle, a beautiful box that reminds us of the tabernacle of the Old Testament where God visited his people. Today, Jesus waits for us in tabernacles throughout the world. He has given us a wonderful gift in his enduring presence in the Holy Eucharist and invites us to visit him often to find peace in his presence and give him our adoration and thanks. Throughout the history of the Church, the Holy Eucharist has been taken to the sick or homebound who are not able to attend Mass. This is only possible because of the gift of Christ’s abiding presence.
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First Holy Communion Preparation
Children: Ordinarily, children prepare to receive their First Holy Communion around the ages of 7–8 (2nd grade).Part of the process includes preparation for First Penance (Confession).
Adults: Adults who have not yet been baptized or those who were baptized in another Christian tradition prepare for First Holy Communion through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) process.
Eucharistic Adoration
We invite you to spend time in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament during Eucharistic Adoration. This is a special time to pray, reflect, and deepen your relationship with Christ.
St. Patrick Church: Adoration is offered on Thursday evenings from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM and Fridays from 9:00 AM to 2:15 PM.
St. Monica Church: Please contact the parish office for Adoration times.
Contact Information
St. Patrick Church Office
(309) 444-3524
St. Monica Church Office
(309) 694-2061
For more information on preparing for First Holy Communion or participating in Eucharistic Adoration, please reach out to the respective parish office.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our parish offices.
