The Eucharist, in particular Sunday Mass, is the center of the Church’s life, and thus of parish life at St. Maximilian Kolbe.
The Eucharist is the “source and summit of the Christian life.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1324)
Schedules for the celebration of the Eucharist may be found here.
After baptism, children prepare to receive the Eucharist for the first time at about the age of 7. After a period of preparation, First Communion is celebrated at a Saturday or Sunday Mass during the Easter Season. Adults who are already baptized (Catholic or in another Christian tradition) and who seek to receive the Eucharist for the first time will prepare in a modified version of the RCIA.
Click here to learn more about preparing your child for first Holy Communion. For more information, please e-mail Mary Montour or call the parish office at 777-4322, ext. 130.
If your child is school age and has not been baptized or was baptized in a different faith tradition, please e-mail Carol Heuser or call the parish office at 777-4322, ext. 104.
Click here to find information about adult preparation for First Communion through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) Program. For more information, please e-mail Carol Heuser or call the parish office at 777-4322, ext. 104.
Link to The Archdiocese of Cincinnati "Sacraments for Young People"
HOW TO RECEIVE THE EUCHARIST GUIDELINE
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATION FOR PENANCE AND EUCHARIST
The policy of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is that children in the 2nd grade, about age 7, be prepared for and celebrate the sacrament of Penance before they are prepared for and celebrate the sacrament of Eucharist. Therefore, children are prepared for and celebrate the two sacraments in the same year. They are also to be prepared by their parish of membership. St. Max recognizes the formation children receive in an Archdiocese Catholic School and Religious Formation of Youth (RFY) classes or RFY Home Study program at St. Max. (If your child receives formation through Home School or a non-Archdiocesan school, please contact Mary Montour.) We have 3 Sunday evening sessions and a Saturday retreat for each of the two sacraments for the integration of the knowledge of the language and “how to” of our faith with the traditions and practices of the faith. These additional sessions beyond the classroom are for the child and a parent (or special adult) to attend together. For more information, please e-mail Carol Heuser or call the parish office at 777-4322, ext. 104.
If your child has not received First Eucharist and is in 3rd grade or older, please contact Mary Montour or call 777-4322 x106, for information on preparation.
The Blessed Sacrament is reserved both for the Communion of the sick and those unable to join in the Sunday Eucharist, and also for adoration by the faithful. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel is open continuously for private adoration and quiet personal prayer. It is accessible through the nave during the day, and via the south doors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our parish strives to "pray without ceasing" in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament, by asking parishioners to signup for one hour each week. Click here to see available hours and signup.
The Rite of Exposition provides an opportunity for solemn communal prayer in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament. Each Thursday, the Blessed Sacrament is exposed following the 8:30a Mass throughout the day. A “Holy Hour”, beginning at 7pm invites prayer for a particular need of the Church or the world (e.g. human life, vocations, youth, etc.) Exposition then concludes with the Rite of Benediction at approximately 8pm
Please refer to our "Schedules" page for additional information.