"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 Pasch."
~(CCC 1324).

The Mass is, at the same time and inseparably, the sacrificial memorial of the sacrifice of the Cross and the sacred banquet of communion with the Lord's Body and Blood. The celebration of the Eucharist is wholly directed toward the intimate union of the faithful with Christ through communion. To receive communion is to receive Christ Himself. (CCC1382) Holy Communion is the second "sacrament of initiation."

Diocese of Charlotte Guidelines:
Critical Outcomes:
The child:
a. has sufficient knowledge to understand the mystery of Christ according to his/her capacity (CIC 913 §1).
b. is able to distinguish the body and blood of Christ from ordinary food (CIC 913).
c. has a desire to receive the Lord Jesus reverently in Holy Communion with faith and devotion (CIC 913 §1).
d. has at least two years of catechesis prior to the reception of First Eucharist.

Second graders are prepared to receive their First Holy Communion during Faith Formation classes on Sundays. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information and to register your child. 

Adults who have never received the Sacrament should please speak with Father Carlson or contact Alison Speed at the office (704) 735-5575 for information and to register for OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults).