"Truly, truly I say to you unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life within you... For my flesh is food indeed and my blood is drink indeed." (John 6:53–58)

Celebrating the Holy Eucharist during the Mass is the summit of the spiritual life for Catholics. No matter how majestic or humble the surrounding church building, or how spiritually invested are the participants or priest at mass, Christ is truly present, body, blood, soul, and divinity. We are, for that moment taking part in the Last Supper, the Sacrifice at Calvary, and the Eternal Supper of the Lamb! 

For children who have been baptized and follow the normal timeline for the reception of the sacraments, preparation takes place in first and second grade.  At  Assumption and Sacred Heart children attend traditional CCD classes or Family Catechesis with special enrichment for First Communion and attendance of a Retreat Day just prior to First Communion.

At St. John Neumann, children are prepared while attending Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or Family Catechesis for at least 2 years.  There is also additional material that is provided for parents to cover at home with their child.

For adults who would like to become fully initiated in the Catholic Church including reception of the Holy Eucharist, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is the path forward.  A program for children, the Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC), who have missed reception of some of the sacraments is available as well.

For further information, please call the parish office.