Holy Cross Catholic Church

The Eucharist is at the heart of “Christian initiation”... we don’t ever thank Lord enough for the gift he has given us in the Eucharist! It is a very great gift... the bread that is the Body of Jesus Christ who saves us, forgives us, unites us to the Father... in this Eucharist we feel this belonging to the Church, to the People of God, to the Body of God, to Jesus Christ. We will never completely grasp the value and the richness of it. Let us ask him then that this Sacrament continue to keep his presence alive in the Church and to shape our community in charity and communion, according to the Father's heart. This is done throughout life, but is begun on the day of our First Communion. It is important that children be prepared well for their First Communion and that every child receive it, because it is the first step of this intense belonging to Jesus Christ...

Pope Frances, St Peter's Square, Feb. 5 2014