Holy Eucharist (Mass)

The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation participate with the whole community in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. 

At the Last Supper, on the night he was betrayed, our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again, and so to entrust to his beloved Spouse, the Church, a memorial of his death and resurrection: a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity, a Paschal banquet in which Christ is consumed, the mind is filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us. 

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Catechism of the Catholic Church 1322-1323

Frequently asked questions

How do I go about having my child receive his/her First Holy Communion?

Preparation for First Confession and First Holy Communion happens through our children’s religious education program here or through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program here. Parents who have children they believe are ready for those sacraments but who are not currently enrolled in either of our children’s religious education programs should contact the parish office. To prepare for first Confession or First Communion, please see our other ' Sacrament' pages. ​



When can I attend Mass or Adoration?

See the Parish ' Home' for Mass and Adoration times.



Who can attend Mass? Who can receive the Eucharist?

Anyone and everyone is invited to attend Mass. However, only practicing Catholics in good standing with the Church and who properly prepared to receive Communion should do so. We invite any non-Catholic guests who are at Mass, as well as Catholics who are not prepared to receive and anyone who, because of COVID, is nervous about receiving, to either remain in your pew praying during the period of Communion, or else to come forward in the Communion line with your arms crossed over your chest in order to receive a blessing from the priest in lieu of Communion.



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St. Mary Parish  | 5 Hillhouse Ave New Haven, CT 06511 | (203) 562-6193 | church@stmarysnewhaven.org

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