I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. ( John 6:51)
Jesus instituted the sacrament of Eucharist at the Last Supper through the sacrifice of his Precious Body and Blood. It is the gift we celebrate at each and every Mass through the breaking of the bread. The sacrament of Eucharist completes the sacraments of Christian Initiation, which include Baptism and Confirmation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the Eucharist is the "source and summit" of the Christian life. ( CCC 1324)
Sacramental Preparation for Children
The Sacrament of Eucharist is celebrated along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation for 2nd graders and older. For children not attending Catholic School, enrollment in a full-time faith formation program (CCE, Home Study, or Family Faith) is required for a minimum of one year prior and during the sacramental preparation year so that there is a foundation of the faith upon which the child can go deeper with during sacramental preparation.
Are you an adult who wants to receive the Eucharist?
Eucharist for Adults, non-Baptized children (or children baptized in another denomination) of catechetical age go through the RCIA process.
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) offers formation for adults and non-baptized children (or children baptized in another denomination) aged 7 and older to come into full communion with the Catholic Church through the reception of the sacraments of Christian Initiation (Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist).