The Eucharist
When receiving the Eucharist, we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. It is also a Sacrament of Initiation. A Bishop, priest or deacon is the Ordinary Minister of the Sacrament. They are they only ones who can consecrate the bread and wine to have it become the Eucharist. Deacons, bishops and priests are the ordinary ministers of Holy Communion Lay people can be commissioned to be Extraordinary Ministers of the Sacrament. In order to receive the Eucharist, we must be Catholic. We must go to Mass and be free of mortal sin. We must be in a state of grace. We must go to Reconciliation to remain in this state of grace.
We should receive Holy Communion no less than once a year. We can not receive more that once a day (there are some exceptions). The Effect of the Sacrament is intimate union with Jesus Christ. it provides physical and spiritual nourishment. It gives us strength to do good and avoid evil.
If you are physically not able to go to Mass, a minister of the Eucharist can come to your house/hospital room and minister the Body and Blood to you. When we receive the Eucharist, our venial sins are forgiven. If you receive the Eucharist with the burden of a mortal sin on your soul, there can be some serious consequences. That's why it's very important to go to Reconciliation.
The Form of this Sacrament: The priest says, "Take this all of you and eat, for this is my Body (or Blood)..."
He recreates the words of Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. The Matter of this sacrament is the bread (made from wheat and water) and wine (made from grapes).
I received my First Holy Communion at Our Lady of Lourdes in Malverne when I was in second grade. It was a day of great excitement. I still remember that day. It was the start of an important chapter of my spiritual life. Below is a picture of me with my grandparents.