The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. The other sacraments, and other ministries and works of Catholic people, are bound together and oriented toward the Holy Eucharist. "

I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to me shall not hunger. He who believes in me shall not thirst." ~The Gospel of St. John 6:35

At Mass, the bread and wine is changed into the total Jesus Christ, body and blood, soul and divinity. Holy Communion unites us intimately with Jesus Christ, separates us from sin, and unites with other members of the Catholic Church. Catholics normally receive the Holy Eucharist at Mass unless they need to go to Reconciliation to seek forgiveness of their serious sins.

A Community Meal Jesus not only taught us that love of God and neighbor are equally important, he gave us a revolutionary way to combine the two. He made the universal sign of human friendship and love – a meal together – the sign as well of our love for God. Just as a Thanksgiving Day dinner is our American way of giving thanks to God and one another for all the good we share, so too our Eucharist is our universal Catholic way of giving thanks to God for the love we share and bring to our world. We Celebrate Together as the People of God From the moment of our baptism, we are members of the People of God. Therefore, we do not come to give thanks to God as isolated individuals practicing personal devotions. We come as a People who worship God in ritual words and actions that “sacramentalize,” give external expression to our deepest beliefs and desires.

It is most appropriate, then, to join actively in all of the prayers, songs and gestures that compose our communal worship of God. The liturgy calls us to participation rather than to a privatized silence. As we do after spending time with our friends, we come away strengthened in their likeness simply by being in their presence

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1st Holy Communion 

At St. Gertrude Parish, First Holy Communion is a sacred and joyful step in a child’s journey of faith. Through the Religious Education program, children are prepared to understand the Eucharist and encounter Christ in a deeper, more personal way. This sacrament is celebrated within the parish community, marking their full participation in the life of the Church. It is the culmination of the child’s attendance in class for the school year and is typically offered in May.

For more information on receiving the sacrament of the Eucharist, please contact Dr. James Sheehan, Director of Pastoral Formation/Pastoral Associate at (516) 628-2432. 

Holy Communion to the homebound 

Eucharistic Ministers of Holy Communion of St. Gertrude Parish bring Holy Communion to those who are unable to attend Mass due to illness, disability or age, ensuring they remain connected to the life of the Church and the grace of the Eucharist. To arrange for a visit, please contact the parish office to schedule someone to bring Communion to your home or care home. This can be arranged on a regular basis. (Also see Anointing of the Sick.)