The Eucharist is the summit of the whole Christian life because the faithful bring to it all their prayers and good works, their joys and sufferings. These modest offerings are united to the perfect sacrifice of Christ. Thus they are completely sanctified and lifted up to God in an act of perfect worship which brings the faithful into the divine intimacy (cf. Jn 6:56-57). Therefore, as St. Thomas Aquinas writes, the Eucharist is
"the culmination of the spiritual life and the goal of all the sacraments" (Summa Theol., III, q. 66, a. 6) : John Paul II General Audience — April 8, 1992
FIRST HOLY COMMUNION Children in the Second Grade usually receive Eucharist for the first time when they make their First Holy Communion. Faith is the requirement to receive Communion. Our Church teaches that at the consecration of the Mass, the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ. We praise God and thank Him for the gift of His Presence in Communion. If there is a grave sin in our lives, we must prepare for Holy Communion by going to the Sacrament of Penance.