The Eucharist: A Sacred Encounter with Christ

The Eucharist is the heart of our Catholic faith—a sacred gift where we encounter the living Christ in a deeply personal and transformative way. In this beautiful sacrament, we offer thanksgiving to God and unite ourselves to Christ’s Paschal Mystery—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus—through the ritual of the Mass. The Eucharist, also known as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, is both a gift and a mystery, where simple elements of wheat bread and grape wine are transformed into the very Body and Blood of Christ, through the words of Consecration spoken by the priest.

As one of the seven sacraments of the Church, the Eucharist is at the core of Christian initiation. It nourishes and strengthens us on our spiritual journey, bringing us closer to Christ and to each other as members of His Body, the Church. The Sunday celebration of the Eucharist is central to the life of the Church, and it is in this sacred meal that we are united with the entire community of believers, past, present, and future.

   At St. Anthony Church, we joyfully gather each Sunday to celebrate this sacred sacrament, where Christ is truly present, and we are invited to commune with Him. It is our deepest desire that all Catholics of proper age are able to receive the Eucharist, sharing in the grace, peace, and strength it brings.

To receive Holy Communion, Catholics should be in a state of grace—free from mortal sin, properly disposed, and having fasted for at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist (except in extraordinary circumstances). It is a moment of profound grace and communion with Christ and with the Church community.

If you are preparing to receive your First Communion or would like more information about the Eucharist, please do not hesitate to contact the Parish Center. We are here to support you in your faith journey and to help you experience the transformative power of Christ’s presence in the Eucharist.  

203-758-4056

Low Gluten Hosts at St. Anthony Church

St. Anthony Church has low gluten hosts available for people with Celiac Disease or gluten intolerances to receive Holy Communion. Those with Celiac are unable to digest gluten, the protein in wheat, barley, rye and oats. The gluten damages their intestinal lining. Left untreated, Celiac can lead to other autoimmune diseases as well as cancer and infertility. The only known cure at this time is to follow a Gluten-Free diet. Therefore, following a GF diet can cause a problem when it comes to receiving Holy Communion at Mass. According to Canon Law, host must contain wheat.

In 2005, The Benedictine Sisters of Perpetual Adoration in Clyde, Missouri developed a Communion host that is made from gelatinized wheat starch and with less than 0.01% gluten in one host. These low-gluten hosts meet the requirements of Canon Law and are validly used at Mass. The low-gluten hosts at St. Anthony Church are made by the Benedictine Sisters.

If you have Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance and would like to receive Low Gluten Host at St Anthony Church, please contact the Parish Office at 203-758-4056 prior to attending Mass to discuss the procedure and arrangements.