The Catholic Parish of Crawley
The Sacrament of the Eucharist
Parish Pages |
What are our obligations regarding Holy Mass?
What about those who cannot get to church through ill health?
How is First Holy Communion organised in Crawley Parish?
What is the Eucharist about?
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.
The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being.
Finally, by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all.
(Catechism of the Catholic Church)
From the above we see that the Eucharist (the Mass) is the single most important thing the Church does. For although Christians are called to be disciples, to follow the Lord, and to proclaim the Kingdom of God, this would all be meaningless without Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross and his resurrection. Jesus gave us the Eucharist so that we would always have access to the grace of his Sacrifice. This happens whenever we join in the celebration of Mass, whether or not we receive communion.
What are our obligations regarding Holy Mass?
All Catholics have a serious obligation to join in the celebration of mass on Sundays and Holydays of Obligation. This obligation stems from the centrality of the Eucharist in the life of the Church already described. Celebrations on the Saturday evenings or the eve of Holydays fulfil this obligation. Details of Mass times can be found in the newsletter. To consciously miss Mass on a Sunday or Holyday without good reason is a serious sin.
Sometimes it is impossible or very difficult to join in the celebration of Mass. If a person is sick then there is no obligation – indeed if the illness is serious and contagious the person should not attend Mass. If the illness continues over an extended period then the parish can arrange for communion to be taken to the sick person. If you are travelling, especially in a place where Mass is not available, then there is no obligation.
If work patterns genuinely prevent you from joining any of the many celebrations of Sunday Mass around the parish you should speak to one of the priests about alternative means of fulfilling this obligation.
Who can receive Communion?
Any Catholic who has made their First Holy Communion and has not committed serious sin since their last confession may receive Communion. If you are conscious of serious sin you should go to confession before receiving Communion. (see the leaflet on Penance).
Christians of other denominations may not normally receive communion in a Catholic church. This is not only because many other Christians do not recognise the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist as we do, but also because Holy Communion expresses not only our bond with Jesus Christ but also our unity as a Church. This unity is sadly damaged between Catholics and other Christians, and our practice cannot ignore this reality.
There are however, exceptions to this rule, especially where a person would otherwise be deprived of the Eucharist or where there are particular family celebrations. Contact the parish team if you wish to discuss this further.
What about those who cannot get to church through ill health?
Communion can be taken to those who are unable to join in the celebration of Mass because of age or sickness. Communion is normally taken weekly by one of our Ministers of Holy Communion, with a visit by a priest once or twice a year. If you know of anyone who might benefit please contact the parish office - contacts
How is First Holy Communion organised in Crawley Parish?
Children who have been baptised in the Catholic Church are eligible to make their First Holy Communion once they have reached school year three (age 7/8).
In order that they be properly prepared for this sacrament they must participate in the First Holy Communion programme. There are teams of catechists in St Edwards, Our Lady’s, Christ the Lord and the Friary, and children may be prepared at any of these churches.
The programme begins with an introductory session for parents in June, which is advertised in the parish well in advance over several weeks. The children meet regularly with the catechists from September following the same course in all four locations. These are linked to special Sunday celebrations in the four churches. There are also several meetings for the parents. The actual First Holy Communion is celebrated during Eastertide at the Church where the child’s family normally comes to mass.
Any adults who have not made their first communion would be prepared through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults.
For further information please contact the parish office