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First Eucharist and Penance

Preparation

As your child prepares for Reconciliation and Eucharist, it is a wonderful time to reflect on the meaning of the Sacraments in your life and how your family life reflects their importance. As you seek to make the sacraments central in your family’s life, the children will learn to place Jesus first.

Starting September 10th, 2025, Faith Formation classes will be held on Wednesdays from 5pm-8pm for First Holy Communion (and on Friday from 5pm-8pm for Confirmation).  The celebration of Reconciliation always precedes the celebration of First Communion. 

Questions about the Sacrament Preparation for First Reconciliation and Communion can be directed to Kara Antonio or Gustavo Rojo at stjosephrcc78@gmail.com.

About the Eucharist

The Church’s liturgical life revolves around the sacraments, with the Eucharist at the center (National Directory for Catechesis, #35). At Mass, we are fed by the Word and nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ. We believe the Risen Jesus is truly and substantially present in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not a sign or symbol of Jesus; rather, we receive Jesus himself in and through the Eucharistic species. The priest, through the power of his ordination and the action of the Holy Spirit, transforms the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus. This is called transubstantiation.
 
By the consecration, the transubstantiation of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ is brought about. Under the consecrated species of bread and wine, Christ himself, living and glorious, is present in a true, real, and substantial manner: his Body and his Blood, with his soul and his divinity. (CCC 1413)
 

The New Covenant

I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever;…Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and…remains in me, and I in him. (John 6:51, 54, 56)
 

In the gospels we read that the Eucharist was instituted at the Last Supper. This is the fulfillment of the covenants in the Hebrew Scriptures. In the Last Supper narratives, Jesus took, broke, and gave bread and wine to his disciples. In the blessing of the cup of wine, Jesus calls it “the blood of the covenant” (Matthew and Mark) and the “new covenant in my blood” (Luke).

This reminds us of the blood ritual with which the covenant was ratified at Sinai (Ex 24) — the sprinkled the blood of sacrificed animals united God and Israel in one relationship, so now the shed blood of Jesus on the cross is the bond of union between new covenant partners — God the Father, Jesus and the Christian Church. Through Jesus’ sacrifice, all the baptized are in relationship with God.
 
The Catechism teaches that all Catholics who have received their First Holy Communion are welcome to receive Eucharist at Mass unless sin a state of mortal sin.
 

Anyone who desires to receive Christ in Eucharistic communion must be in a state of grace. Anyone aware of having sinned mortally must not receive communion without having received absolution in the sacrament of penance. (CCC 1415)

The Church warmly recommends that the faithful receive Holy Communion when they participate in the celebration of the Eucharist; she obliges them to do so at least once a year. (CCC 1417)
 
Receiving the Eucharist changes us. It signifies and effects the unity of the community and serves to strengthen the Body of Christ.
 

Understanding the Mass

The central act of worship in the Catholic Church is the Mass. It is in the liturgy that the saving death and resurrection of Jesus once for all is made present again in all its fullness and promise – and we are privileged to share in His Body and Blood, fulfilling his command as we proclaim his death and resurrection until He comes again. It is in the liturgy that our communal prayers unite us into the Body of Christ. It is in the liturgy that we most fully live out our Christian faith.
 
The liturgical celebration is divided into two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. First, we hear the Word of God proclaimed in the scriptures and respond by singing God’s Word in the Psalm. Nex,t that Word is broken open in the homily. We respond by professing our faith publicly. Our communal prayers are offered for all the living and the dead in the Creed. Along with the Presider, we offer in our way the gifts of bread and wine, and we are given a share in the Body and Blood of the Lord, broken and poured out for us. We receive the Eucharist, Christ’s real and true presence, and renew our commitment to Jesus. Finally, we are sent forth to proclaim the Good News!
 
About Us

Guided by the example of St. Joseph, we are a welcoming parish dedicated to living the Gospel and sharing Christ’s love with all.

Through the sacraments, faith formation, and outreach, we seek to grow as disciples and be a source of hope and light to others.

Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, new to the faith, or searching for a spiritual home, we invite you to join us and experience the joy of belonging to a caring, faith-filled family.

St. Joseph

pray for us.

 

Office Hours

Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM

Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 1:00PM – 8:00PM

 

Contact

(828) 464-9207

office@stjosephdoc.org

720 W 13th St Newton, North Carolina, United States

Privacy Policy

St. Joseph Catholic Church values your privacy and is committed to protecting any personal information you share with us. This policy explains what we collect, how we use it, and how we keep it safe.

1. Information We Collect
We may collect personal information when you:

  • Submit a prayer request

  • Sign up for our newsletter or events

  • Make a donation online

  • Contact us by email or through our website form

This information may include your name, email address, phone number, and any other details you choose to share.

2. How We Use Your Information
We use your information only to:

  • Respond to your inquiries or requests

  • Send parish updates, bulletins, or announcements (if you opt in)

  • Process donations or event registrations

  • Maintain parish records and communication

3. How We Protect Your Information
We use reasonable safeguards to keep your information secure. Only authorized staff and volunteers have access to personal data, and we never sell your information to third parties.

4. Sharing Information
We may share your information only with trusted service providers who help us operate our website, process donations, or send parish communications—always with confidentiality in mind.

5. Your Choices
You may opt out of receiving parish communications at any time by contacting us. You can also request to update or delete your personal information.

6. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your information, please contact:
St. Joseph Catholic Church

(828) 464-9207

office@stjosephdoc.org

720 W 13th St Newton, North Carolina, United States

Terms of Use

Welcome to the website of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton, North Carolina. By accessing and using our site, you agree to the following terms:

1. General Use
This website is provided for informational, educational, and spiritual purposes. While we strive to keep information accurate and up to date, St. Joseph Catholic Church makes no warranties or guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or accuracy of content.

2. Intellectual Property
All text, images, videos, and other content on this site are the property of St. Joseph Catholic Church or are used with permission. You may view, download, or print materials for personal, non-commercial use only. Reproduction, distribution, or modification of any content without prior permission is prohibited.

3. Links to Other Sites
Our website may contain links to external websites for convenience or reference. St. Joseph Catholic Church is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or practices of these external sites.

4. Limitation of Liability
St. Joseph Catholic Church will not be held liable for any damages or losses arising from the use of our website, including but not limited to technical issues, inaccuracies, or reliance on information found here.

5. Privacy
Your use of this website is also governed by our [Privacy Policy]. Please review it to understand how we collect, use, and safeguard personal information.

6. Changes to Terms
We may update these Terms of Use from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated effective date.

7. Contact Us
If you have questions about our Terms of Service or how we handle your information, please contact:
St. Joseph Catholic Church

(828) 464-9207

office@stjosephdoc.org

720 W 13th St Newton, North Carolina, United States

Online Giving Policy

Thank you for supporting the mission and ministries of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Newton, North Carolina. We are grateful for your generosity and want you to feel confident and secure in making online contributions.

1. Secure Processing
All online gifts are processed through trusted third-party payment providers using secure encryption technology. St. Joseph Catholic Church does not store your credit card or bank account information on our servers.

2. Use of Contributions
Unless otherwise designated, all donations will be applied to the parish’s general fund to support worship, ministries, and community outreach. Designated gifts will be used for their specified purpose whenever possible.

3. Receipts
You will receive an email confirmation immediately after your donation is processed. Annual giving statements are available upon request for tax purposes.

4. Refunds and Corrections
If you make an error in your donation or need to request a refund, please contact the parish office within 72 hours of the transaction. We will work with you to resolve the issue promptly.

5. Privacy
We respect your privacy and will not share your personal or financial information except as required to process your donation. Please see our [Privacy Policy] for more details.

6. Contact Us
If you have questions about this Online Giving Policy or how we handle your information, please contact:
St. Joseph Catholic Church

(828) 464-9207

office@stjosephdoc.org

720 W 13th St Newton, North Carolina, United States