Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church

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While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, "Take and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." (Mt 26:26-28; cf. Mk 14:22-24, Lk 22:17-20, 1 Cor 11:23-25)

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Jesus' words above and spoken at His Last Supper instituted the Eucharist which we celebrate joyfully at each Mass.  We can think of this as the First Holy Communion for Jesus and His apostles!  First Holy Communion is a milestone in a child’s journey toward full initiation into the Body of Christ. This sacrament allows our children to experience the wonder and mystery of entering into a Holy Communion with God. Here at Our Lady of the Presentation Catholic Church, arrangements to prepare for this sacrament are made through our School of Religion as part of a two year program.  First Holy Communion is held in May of 2nd Grade.  For youth older than 2nd Grade and adults seeking to receive their First Holy Communion, please contact the parish office at 301.349.2045.

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The Saints on the Eucharist

"Christ held Himself in His hands when He gave His Body to His disciples saying: 'This is My Body.'"
St. Augustine

"...In this world I cannot see the Most High Son of God with my own eyes, except for His Most Holy Body and Blood." 
St. Francis of Assisi

"[My] own belief is that the renovation of the world will be brought about only by the Holy Eucharist."
Pope Leo XIII 

"Receive Communion often, very often...there you have the sole remedy, if you want to be cured."
St. Therese (The Little Flower)

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Please watch the below video for an artistic, concise and interesting look at this beautiful sacrament, described in The Catholic Catechism as "...the source and summit of the Christian life."