eucharist

"The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' 'The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Passover'" (Catechism, 1324).

Sacrament of Holy Eucharist

Reception of Holy Communion is a sacred event in the Catholic Church. Catholic theology teaches that the bread and wine consecrated during Mass is transubstantiated into the true Divine Presence of Jesus through the Holy Spirit and the sacramental character of the priest. What does this mean? It means that the substances of bread and wine become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus even though its appearance remains unchanged. What we receive in Holy Communion is no longer bread and wine. Rather, "it" becomes a "Who," and that "Who" is none other than Jesus Himself. There is no greater intimacy with with Christ this side of heaven than reception of Holy Communion.

The second book of Maccabees reminds us that, "it is good and holy thought to pray for the dead." The faith community of St. Albert the Great remembers in a special way those "who have gone before us marked with the sign of faith." Masses are offered regularly in remembrance of the deceased. In addition, individuals can also have a Mass celebrated for the intention of the living. To make arrangements to have a Mass celebrated for the intention of a specific person, living or deceased, please contact the rectory during normal business hours.

Ministry to the Sick and Homebound

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion administer Holy Communion regularly each Sunday in the home of our aged and infirmed parishioners who cannot come to Mass. To make arrangements for such visitation, please contact the rectory during normal business hours. In addition, Holy Communion is provided monthly to Catholic residents of Gloria Dei Towers and Gloria Dei Manor. Catholic facilities (i.e., hospitals, nursing homes, residential care facilities, etc.) that are operated by the Archdiocese or by religious communities usually have a full-time chaplain to administer the sacraments. Please check with the administrators of such facilities as to the availability of such services. In the event of emergency or serious illness, arrangements for Holy Communion can be made by calling the rectory at 215-947-3500.

First Holy Communion

First Holy Communion is celebrated every Spring with parish children in grade 2 or above. Children are prepared for their reception of this most holy and important sacrament via our parish school or parish CCD program. Parents who have children enrolled in private Catholic schools should contact the to make arrangements for First Holy Communion.

Teenagers and adults who are baptized Catholics and have never received Holy Communion are prepared for reception of this sacrament through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). Inquiries into the RCIA should be directed to at 215-947-3500.