St. Francis de Sales Parish
Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist is the Source
and Summit of the Christian Life. In Holy Communion we receive
the Body and Blood of Christ Himself. As Catholics we believe
that Jesus is truly present Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in
the species of bread and wine that have become His Body, His
Blood. To receive Him worthily we need to be in a state of
grace, to have confessed all mortal sin that has cut us off
from Him, or if we are not able to make it to confession as
quickly as is needed to have at least made a perfect act of
contrition with the firm intention to go to confession as soon
as possible.
The following prayer before
Communion can help us to enter more fully into this great
Mystery of God's love:
Father in heaven, you have
made us for yourself; our hearts are restless until they
rest in you. Fulfill this longing through Jesus, the bread
of life, so that we may witness to him who alone satisfies
the hungers of the human family. By the power of your Spirit
lead us to the heavenly table where we may feast on the
vision of your glory for ever and ever. Amen.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving after
receiving Communion:
Soul of Christ, sanctify me.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee.
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee.
Body of Christ, save me.
Blood of Christ, inebriate me.
Water from the side of Christ, wash me.
Passion of Christ, strengthen me.
O good Jesus, hear me.
Within Thy wounds hide me.
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee.
From the malignant enemy, defend me.
In the hour of my death, call me.
And bid me come to Thee.
That with Thy saints I may praise Thee.