How do Catholics celebrate Eucharist?
Understanding THE MASS​

LANGUAGE MATTERS. The Eucharist is more than the 'body of Jesus'. from America Magazine
CLICK HERE for a brief article and tip from Sadlier Press on developing a sense of liturgy in children. 
CLICK HERE to connect parish children and families to the upcoming Sunday readings with these lectionary-based sessions from Loyola Press. 
Create your own classroom Mass Kit from Catholic Icing!  ​
This 5-minute video, both reverent and funny, demonstrates how to receive (and how not to receive) Communion. 

On the Mass, from Loyola Press: 

People and Things at Mass Matching Game
This fun game helps children deepen their understanding of what they will see at Mass.

Pop-Up Catechesis: A Walk Through the Mass
Joe Paprocki explains the parts of the Mass in a special series of Pop-Up Catechesis videos.

How to Celebrate Mass with a Child with Special Needs
David Rizzo offers tips on how to celebrate Mass with a child with special needs.

Four Tips for Making Connections Between the Mass and Class Discussions
Denise Gorss shares ideas for connecting the Mass and faith formation session themes.

The Six "Be-Attitudes" for Inviting Someone to Come to Mass
Julianne Stanz knows that inviting someone to come to church with us does not always come easy, so she offers "be-attitudes" that may help overcome some of that discomfort.

Eucharistic Hymns Activity
​Lead an activity about Eucharistic Hymns to reach young people who are musically inclined. 

Last Supper Color By Number
​Grab the crayons, and complete a color-by-number activity with children to find that Jesus shared bread and wine with his friends.

What do Catholics believe?
Understanding REAL PRESENCE

We believe that Christ is truly present at Mass in the people gathered, in the priest, in the word of God, and in the Body and Blood. 

FOR ADULTS: 
Adults can use this pdf, "Eucharist: Body of Christ, Broken for the World," from the USCCB for prayer and reflection. 
​
Eucharistic Revival Has Begun!
Click to read the full article by Joe Paprocki on Catechist's Journey.
​
Adults seeking to deepen their understanding of Eucharist can use these resources
​in SMALL GROUPS: 
FOR YOUTH:
CLICK HERE for a Lesson Plan from Saint Mary's Press for High Schoolers to Pray, Study, and Live the Eucharist. 

​Share this reverent Rap song about the Real Presence (4 minutes): 

​FOR CHILDREN: 
CLICK HERE to get inspiration and good catechetical tips from these articles on Real Presence at Joe Paprocki's "Catechist's Journey" website from Loyola Press.

​And CLICK HERE for good tips on using the language of mystery with children. 

Click Here for Living the Mass: A Eucharistic Revival Webinar with Fr. Dominic Grassi and Joe Paprocki, DMin.

National Eucharistic Revival

Foster Eucharistic DEVOTION. 

ADORATION
Find USCCB resources on Adoration HERE 
"The importance of Eucharistic Adoration is shown in the fact that the Church has a ritual that regulates it: the Rite of Eucharistic Exposition and Benediction. This is an extension of the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament which occurs in every Mass: 'Behold the Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world. Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.' " --USCCB

"Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament must clearly express the relationship of the Blessed Sacrament to the Mass. Any Eucharistic devotion and service are to be accord with approved guidelines and rituals contained in the revised Rite of Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside Mass." - Diocesan Liturgical Directory

Help LITURGICAL MINISTERS to understand their roles. 

This HANDOUT from Saint Mary's Press asks middle or high school youth to consider the liturgical roles that others and they fulfill at Mass. 

Help parents prepare their children for FIRST COMMUNION.

Help PARENTS/GUARDIANS to increase their understanding of: 
  • the sacraments of initiation;
  • the history and theology of the Eucharist;
  • their role in preparing their children to celebrate sacraments for the first time and in nurturing their lifelong participation in liturgy and Eucharist;
  • how the parish catechetical program is designed to assist them in their role. 
Help CHILDREN to understand according to their ability that:
  • their experiences of eating, talking, celebrating, sharing, and thanking help them to grow in understanding of the Eucharist;
  • Jesus lived a real life with some important events they should know about;
  • Christ continues to be present in the world, and in our Mass in the people gathered, in the priest, in the word of God, and in the Body and Blood;
  • the Eucharistic Bread and Wine we share in Mass is different from bread and wine we share at home. 
 First Communion Resources