“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

The Holy Eucharist is the living bread from Heaven. The Holy Eucharist is the Real, True and Substantial Presence of Jesus’ Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

After His Resurrection, it was in the breaking of the bread that Jesus’ disciples recognized Him. We are privileged with the opportunity to receive our dear Lord in the Holy Eucharist at the daily and weekend Masses offered here at St. Lawrence Catholic Church as well to adore Him in the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament every Wednesday after the morning Mass until the evening Holy Hour.

In the worthy reception of the Holy Eucharist, our union with the Lord Jesus is increased.  We are transformed and are united with our brothers and sisters in Holy Communion.  Receiving the Holy Eucharist is the foretaste or promise of what God has in store for us in Heaven—union with God.

You are welcome to stop by church while it is open to pray before the Blessed Sacrament constantly reserved in the Tabernacle. 

For information about First Holy Communion for children, or if you are an adult who has not yet received Holy Communion for the first time, please contact our Religious Education office at (703) 971-8541 or by email.

Holy Communion Guidelines:

For Catholics

As Catholics, we fully participate in the celebration of the Holy Mass when we receive Holy Communion.  We are encouraged to receive our Eucharistic Lord devoutly and frequently.  In order to be properly disposed to receive Him, the communicant should not be conscious of grave sin and should have fasted for one hour prior to reception.  A person who is conscious of grave sin is not to receive the Body and Blood of the Lord without prior Sacramental Confession except for a grave reason where there is no opportunity for Confession.  In this case, the person is to be mindful of the obligation to make an act of perfect contrition, including the intention of confessing as soon as possible. (Code of Canon Law, canon 916)  Frequent reception of the Sacrament of Confession is encouraged for all of the faithful.

For Other Christians

We welcome to the celebration of Holy Mass those Christians who are not fully united with us. It is a consequence of the sad division in Christianity that we cannot admit them to a reception of Holy Communion. Catholics believe that the Holy Eucharist signifies a oneness in faith, life and worship. Reception of the Holy Eucharist by Christians not fully united with us would imply a oneness which does not yet exist, and for which we must all pray. (Members of the Eastern Orthodox Churches should follow the discipline of their own cannon law regarding coming to Communion).

For Those Not Receiving Communion

Those not receiving Sacramental Communion are encouraged to express in their hearts a prayerful desire for unity with the Lord Jesus.

For Non-Christians

We also welcome to Holy Mass those who do not share our faith in Jesus. While we cannot invite them to receive Holy Communion, we do invite them to be united with us in prayer.