Eucharist
The celebration of the Eucharist (the Mass) is the "source and summit" of the Christian life. The Mass is at the center of the life of every parish. In our parishes, we express the importance of the Mass by celebrating the Eucharist frequently, and with as much care and reverence as possible. Our daily and weekend Mass schedules for the community can be found here.
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Those baptized as infants are usually introduced to the Eucharist and celebrate their First Communion in second grade. Our parishes host a program for such children and their parents each year in addition to their attendance in the McDonell Area Catholic School system or in our Religious Education Program. Learn more about your child's First Communion preparation at ChippewaFallsFaithFormation.net.
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Those who are not Catholic should feel very welcome to attend Mass anytime. You can learn a lot about what it means to be Catholic by coming to Mass on any day, but especially on Sunday. There is no need to be self-conscious...Catholics are notoriously low-key about visitors. No one will start asking you a lot of personal questions; you won't have to stand up and introduce yourself. You can just watch what is going on and pray in your own words during the quiet parts of the Mass. Because we understand the Eucharist to be the sign of a unity already possessed, Catholics do not celebrate "open communion," where belief in Christ is sufficient to welcome you to the Sacrament. Indeed, there are times when Catholics themselves - having alienated members of their family or committed grave sin - will withhold themselves from receiving Communion until they can set things right in sacramental confession. You may come forward to receive a blessing from the priest-celebrant, signaling that this is your intention by crossing your arms over your heart.