GROW IN FAITH 25 – Holy Communion

Receiving the Lord

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You give Yourself to Your Church.
Help us believe in Your presence
and grow in love for You.
Amen.

Part One

A Gift Beyond Words

At Mass, after the Eucharistic Prayer,
the faithful come forward to receive Holy Communion.

They are not receiving ordinary bread.

Jesus said:

“This is my body.”

The Church believes His words.

In Holy Communion,
we receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

When someone receives Communion,
Jesus truly comes to them.

He unites Himself to their soul.
He strengthens their life in grace.

This is one of the greatest gifts in the Church.

Scripture

“This is my body.”
(Luke 22:19)

Think and Discuss

Why do you think Jesus chose bread and wine?

Why is Holy Communion treated with reverence?

If you receive Communion,
how do you prepare your heart?

If you are still preparing,
how can you grow ready?

Allow thoughtful answers.

Part Two

Preparing Our Hearts

Holy Communion is a great gift.

Because it is so holy,
we prepare carefully.

We prepare by:

Believing that Jesus is truly present.
Listening to His Word.
Praying sincerely.
Going to Confession when needed.

Those who already receive
must continue preparing their hearts each week.

Those who are still preparing
grow in understanding and desire.

At Mass, everyone participates:

We listen.
We pray.
We offer ourselves to God.

Even when not receiving yet,
we can pray:

“Jesus, I believe You are here.”
“Prepare my heart.”

No one is left out of the grace of the Mass.

Guidance for Adults

Keep preparation steady and reverent.
Avoid comparison between children.
Foster desire rather than pressure.

Part Three

What Communion Does

Holy Communion deepens our union with Christ.

It strengthens grace in the soul.
It helps us resist sin.
It increases love for God and neighbour.

Like food strengthens the body,
Communion strengthens the soul.

After receiving,
it is important to pray quietly.

We thank Jesus.
We speak to Him.
We remain still.

Even those not yet receiving
can use that time to grow in faith and longing.

The Eucharist shapes the whole Christian life.

It is not only a moment.
It is a lifelong gift.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Imagine being at Mass.

The Host is lifted high.

Say quietly:

“My Lord and my God.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Prepare carefully before Mass.
• Pray quietly after Communion.
• Read about the Last Supper at home.
• Make a reverent genuflection in church.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“This is my body.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Bow your head gently and say:
“Jesus, I believe You are here.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
Thank You for the gift of the Eucharist.
Prepare our hearts,
strengthen our faith,
and keep us close to You
always.
Amen.