The Sacrament of the Eucharist
Catholics believe that the Holy Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Christ. This is a belief that is based both in Scripture and in Tradition. In Scripture, Jesus gave us the gift of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. During His earthly life, our Lord instructed us in the Gospel of John Chapter 6, "I am the Bread of Life... whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life... for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink." In the Church's Tradition, Christians have gathered from the time of the Acts of the Apostles to break bread and celebrate the Eucharist, which has been passed down to use through the centuries.
The Church calls the Sacrament of the Eucharist the "source and summit of Christian life." This means that everything that we do in our lives as Christians, and everything that we do at St. Agnes Parish, both draws its strength from Jesus in the Eucharist and is directed to the celebration of the Mass. So whether you are a parent of a child in our school, receive from or donate to our Day Room, or attend daily Mass, you are a part of a community that is joined completely in the love of Jesus Christ through the Eucharist.
Jesus promised us that He would be with us until the end of time. This promise is fulfilled by Christ's lasting presence in the Sacrament of the Eucharist, present at every Mass and in the tabernacle at St. Agnes Parish. That's right, Jesus resides at 233 W. Gay Street. Let us rejoice!
If you or your child needs to receive First Holy Communion, please email [email protected]
Participating at Mass
The purpose of the celebration of the Mass is to worship God. As Christians, we offer ourselves along with Jesus in the Sacrament of the Eucharist out of love for God the Father. This gives God greater glory than we could possibly imagine. God loves us and is constantly blessing us with gifts. At Mass, we thank Him for these blessings and respond by offering ourselves. There is no greater gift that we could give to God.
So, even if for some reason you are unable to receive Holy Communion, you are still able to participate fully in the sacrifice of the Mass and the worship of God. We invite you to sing, stand, kneel, and say that prayers to help this participation. But what is most important is that in the silence of your heart, you are offering your life and all that you are to God along with Jesus in the Eucharist. He will not disappoint you.
Mass Cards
Giving a Mass card, and with it the promise of the Eucharist being celebrated for a particular intention, has long been a way of expressing support, sympathy and care for a relative or friend or simply to thank God for favors received. You can request an announced or unannounced Mass to be said for a living or deceased family member, friend or loved one by coming in person to the Parish Office. Both Announced and Unnannounced Masses cost $10. Announced Masses are publicized during our daily and weekend Masses, while Unannounced Masses are said privately by a priest.