"Do this in remembrance of me." — Luke 22:19
The Holy Communion — also called the Eucharist (Greek for “thanksgiving”), the Lord’s Supper, or the Mass — is the central act of Christian worship. At St. Peter’s, Holy Communion is celebrated regularly at both Sunday services, following the liturgy of Our Modern Services.
What Happens at the Table
- The Ministry of the Word — readings, sermon, creed and prayers.
- The Peace — we greet one another in the peace of Christ.
- The Thanksgiving (Eucharistic Prayer) — the priest gives thanks over the bread and wine, recalling the Last Supper and the sacrifice of the cross.
- The Breaking of Bread — the congregation comes forward to receive the consecrated bread and wine — the Body and Blood of Christ given for us.
Who May Receive?
All baptized, communicant members of this and other Christian churches are welcome to receive at the Lord’s table. Children are normally admitted to Communion at confirmation. If you are not baptized or prefer not to receive, you are warmly invited to come forward anyway — cross your arms over your chest and the priest will give you a blessing.
Preparing to Receive
The liturgy invites us to self-examination and confession before Communion: “You then who truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbours, and intend to lead a new life... draw near with faith, and take this holy Sacrament to your comfort.”