"While they were eating, Jesus took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and
giving it to his disciples said, 'Take and eat; this is my body.' Then he took a
cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, 'Drink from it, all of you, for
this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.'"
Matthew 26: 26-28
The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is the sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We believe that Christ is actually present in the bread and wine that have been consecrated at Mass.
The origins of the Eucharist are in the Jewish Passover which commemorates Israel's deliverance from slavery by God. When Jesus celebrated Passover at his last supper with his apostles, he blessed, broke and shared the bread and wine, declaring that it was His body and blood. He promised he would be with them whenever they did the same in memory of him.
The Mass is the new Passover, with Jesus offering his own body and blood so that we might be free.
Upon reaching the age of reason (seven years old), baptized children are prepared for the reception of the Sacraments of Penance and First Eucharist. After having celebrated First Reconciliation, children then receive the sacrament of First Eucharist.
Children seven and older who have not been baptized, prepare for the sacraments in our RCIA Program for Children. After a period of suitable study and preparation, the children receive these sacraments at the Easter Vigil.
Sacramental Preparation Workshops for parents of children receiving First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation are held at various times during the year in the Parish School.
Saturday Vigil Mass
4:30 p.m.
With Cantor
Fulfills Sunday Obligation
Sunday Mass
8:00 a.m.
With Cantor
10:00 a.m.
Saint Augustine Chorale
Classical, traditional, Catholic choral music hymns
12:30 p.m.
Saint Augustine Gospel Choir
Traditional African American spirituals and hymns as well as contemporary gospel music
Daily Mass
8:15 a.m. Tuesday – Thursday
in the chapel (Gingras Center, 1419 V Street, NW)
School Mass
8:15 a.m. Friday
In the church during the school year