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.” 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. It is the culmination both of God’s action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit. Finally, by the Eucharistic celebration we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, when God will be all in all.In brief, the Eucharist is the sum and summary of our faith: “Our way of thinking is attuned to the Eucharist, and the Eucharist in turn confirms our way of thinking.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1323-1327) 

The Restored Order

The Archdiocese of Denver is in the process of restoring the order of the Sacraments of Initiation. These three sacraments are originally intended to be received in this order: Baptism, Confirmation then Holy Eucharist. The sacrament that fully initiates a person into the Catholic Church is Holy Eucharist (First Communion).

For more information on the Restored Order, please visit the Archdiocese of Denver website:  https://saintsdenver.com/

For the 2023-2024 year, Sacred Heart and Holy Family churches will be fully participating in the Restored Order of the Sacraments of Initiation:  2nd Graders will receive their First Reconciliation.  3rd Graders will receive their Confirmation and First Eucharist.

Children

Sacred Heart & Holy Family Catholic Church children will prepare and celebrate First Holy Communion in 3rd grade.  All children in 3rd grade and older who have not received First Holy Communion and/or Confirmation will be placed in the appropriate Sacramental Preparation class. 

Adults

For those adults who wish to receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church, you will typically enroll in RCIA classes.  Please call the parish office for more information.