The Sacrament of the Eucharist

Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Eucharist is offered at St. Francis of Assisi in the following ways:

Eucharist at the Mass

Eucharist is offered daily at each of the scheduled Masses to all Catholics.  To receive the Eucharist, mass participants will process via the center isle to the front of the church.  Recipients should show their reverence by bowing prior to receiving the Eucharist and crossing themselves after consuming the Body of Christ.  Proceed to the outer isle where wine from the cup will be offered and return to your pew where you may stand or kneel until all have received communion or, if necessary, you may remain seated.

Eucharist for the Home Bound

Delivery of the Eucharist is available to confirmed Catholics and is limited geographically to inside the parish boundaries.  St Francis of Assisi parishioners living outside these boundaries will be referred to the parish serving the area in which they reside.

Requests for home bound visits may be made by the interested individual, a friend or a family member outside the home and will be referred to the parish Outreach Ministries office.  A member of the Eucharistic Ministers team who regularly visit the home bound will call to schedule a time that is convenient for both of them, not necessarily on Sunday, and that appointment is confirmed each week. 

Eucharist is also available for Catholic individuals who are being treated at the neighborhood community hospital.   Eucharistic Ministers from St Francis of Assisi perform visits at Highline Medical Center 6 days a week.  The Eucharistic Minister will check at the front desk to receive a list of all patients who are registered as Catholic and will visit each room to see if they would like to receive Eucharist at that time.  St Francis of Assisi Eucharistic Ministers also serve the Normandy Park Assisted Living and Fairwood at the Park facilities. 

First Eucharist

If your child is planning to receive First Eucharist with their 2nd Grade class in the Spring of 2009 and they have NOT received the Sacrament of Baptism, please follow these steps in preparation for First Eucharist:

• If the child is not yet 7 years old, they should receive the Sacrament of Baptism before their seventh birthday. One parent must be Catholic.  Contact Elizabeth 242-4575, ext 25 for information.
• If the individual is age 7 or older and seeking baptism or have been baptized in another ecclesial community they should go through the RCIC (Rite of Christian Initiation of Children) process which will begins each Fall. They will receive the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. Contact the Parish Office for additional information.

Additional information

To request delivery of the Eucharist or to receive assistance in answering any additional questions you may have, please contact the Parish Office (206) 242­4575 or email: