Holy Communion

By His Real Presence in the Eucharist, Christ fulfils His promise to be with us "always, until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). As St. Thomas Aquinas wrote, "It is the law of friendship that friends should live together...Christ has not left us without His bodily presence in this our pilgrimage, but He joins us to Himself in this sacrament in the reality of His Body and Blood" (Summa Theologiae, III q. 75, a. 1). With this gift of Christ's presence in our midst, the Church is truly blessed. As Jesus told His disciples, referring to His presence among them, "Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it" (Mt 13:17). In the Eucharist, the Church both receives the gift of Jesus Christ and gives grateful thanks to God for such a blessing. This thanksgiving is the only proper response, for through this gift of Himself in the celebration of the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine, Christ gives us the gift of eternal life. [from the USCCB]

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For those seeking to receive Communion for the first time:

• For children, please contact Lisa Belza, Director of Faith Formation, at lbelza@stlads.org or call the Parish Office at 440-835-2300. 

  • It is expected that children participate in religious education at least 2-3 years prior to their first Communion. Participating in the Good Shepherd Program fulfills this requirement.  

• For adults, the Church offers the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA), a formation process restoring the ancient Catechumenate. This journey deepens one’s conversion, strengthens faith, and prepares individuals for full communion with the Church as disciples of Christ. For more information on our OCIA program, click here.

If you are ready to take this important step in faith, we welcome you with open hearts!