Resources

 Eucharist and First Holy Communion

      

 

 

 

 

Videos/DVD'S on Eucharist

DV 0009                    What Catholics Believe About the Eucharist                SA

cds                                    (Oblate Media, 2005, 30 minutes)

Host, Fr. Mitch Doyen, warmly invites viewers to come along on this fast-paced half-hour inter-active introduction to what Catholics believe about the Eucharist.  He uses questions for people to ponder.  Fr. Matthew Bonk gives a concise catechesis on the Sacrament.  The process used generates lively and interesting discussion as the viewer is invited into the process in a non-threatening way.

 

DV 0010                    We Are Sent: Eucharist and Our Living Amen              JS

cds                                    (Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, 2005, 18 minutes)

This DVD explores how the celebration of the Eucharist calls people of all ages into communion with Jesus Christ.  It also prepares them to be sent out to live justly in the world.  The explanation of the Liturgy of the Eucharist is clear and concise as it explains the five movements: gathering, listening to God's Word, offering the gifts, blessing and breaking the bread then sharing the meal and sending us forth.

 

DV 0015                    Eucharist: The Source and the Summit                        JS

cds                                    (Oblate Media, 2005, 24 minutes)

This presentation is divided into three 8-minute segments.  It is a comprehensive investigation of the Eucharist.  In part one, We Pray, we take a look at Eucharistic Adoration and what it means.  In part two, We Participate, we look at the Eucharist at Mass as sacrifice and meal.  We learn about the doxology and transubstantiation.  Finally in We Practice, we see how we as Catholics share the gift of the Eucharist through our good works.

 

DV 0019                    Eucharist: God's Way of Embracing Us                         SA

cds                                    (Oblate Media, 2005, 100 minutes)

In this DVD Fr. Ron Rolheiser, OMI reminds us that we are a Eucharist people, a Eucharistic church, a community formed and nurtured by the Eucharist.  He helps us reflect upon the Eucharist and what it means in celebration and in everyday life.

            

VC 2185                    Feast of Faith                                                               SA

cds                                    (Luminous, 2004, 90 minutes)

In this enlightening four-part adult faith formation series, Marcellino D'Ambrosio takes the viewer on a journey of discovery, offering profound reflections on the nature of the Holy Eucharist.  There are four talks, two on each video, approximately 20 minutes each.

 

VC 2075                    The Eucharist Past and Present                                   SA

cds                                     (Twenty-Third Publications, 2003, 26 minutes)

In this presentation, Kathleen Chesto offers insight and understanding into the enduring quality of the ritual meal that Jesus gave us and His presence within it. She explains how the ritual of Eucharist was shaped by history and heresy and how Vatican II has attempted to restore the original understanding of Eucharist to the Church.

 

VC 2044                    Close Encounters with the Mass                                    IJ

cds                                    (Oblate Media, 2002, 13 minutes)

In this video real-life situations are combined with fantasy and humor to show young people that the Mass and rituals truly are relevant and meaningful. The altar, tabernacle, ambo and other items are explained so youngsters will see the celebration in a whole new way.

 

VC 1998                   Why We Go to Mass: Liturgy and our Lives                   SA

cds                                    (Loyola Press, 2002, 87 minutes)

In three 30-minute segments Fr J-Glenn Murray energetically addresses such issues as table fellowship and ritual, then walks viewers through the order of the Mass. He explains how each part calls for our "full conscious, active participation" in God's work here on earth. He shows viewers the dynamic celebration that is our Catholic liturgy.

 

VC 1863                  This Sacred Meal                                                            SA

cds                                    (Twenty-Third Publications, 2000, 21 minutes)

This video presentation is meant to help adults reflect on and deepen their understanding of the Eucharist. It can help stimulate discussion about our role in the Eucharist. It helps the viewer realize that we cannot exhaust the meaning of Eucharist.

 

VC 1843                    Do This in Memory of Me                                              JSA

cds                                     (Diocese of St. Augustine, 1999, 9 minutes)

This impressive and inspiring video renews the connection between Eucharist and stewardship. It helps people understand how responsible stewardship happens when people understand and live the Eucharist. The video is packed with good information and emotional approaches to the issue.

 

VC 1734                    Eucharist: History and Meaning                                     JS

cds                                     (Brown-ROA, 1999, 20 minutes each video)

This two part program answers questions posed by teens. Why do we go to Mass; what are we doing; why do we repeat things; if I feel close to God when I’m alone, why go to Mass? Part I traces the development of the Eucharist through history from the Last Supper to the present. Part II explains the parts of the Mass in a way that helps teens relate to it more meaningfully.

 

VC 1784. 02              Eucharist: Celebrating our Faith—Family                       A

cds                                     (Brown/ROA, 1999, 45 minutes)

In this four part presentation, Fr. Joe Kempf helps parents in their efforts to help their children receiving Eucharist. The episodes are:

• How God Cares for Us and Feeds Us
• The Importance of the Role of Parents in the Faith Life of Children
• Perspectives on How Parents can Help Children stay Close to Jesus
• Guided Prayer Meditation inviting the viewers to see the Presence of God
• Eucharist

 

VC 1670.01               Eucharist                                                                         SA

cds                                    (Christian Classics, 1998, 21 minutes)

Fr. Link underscores the truth that celebrating Eucharist is of central importance in the life of the Church.

 

VC 1594.04               Let those Who Love, Break Bread!                                  A

cds                                     (Liguori, 1997, 56 minutes)

This is the fourth video of a series. The Eucharist is presented as the central mystery of our faith: the symbol is bread, the response is unity.

 

VC 1554                    Living Eucharist                                                              JSA

cd                                       (St. Anthony Messenger Press, 10 minutes)

This presentation follows the structure of the Sunday liturgy celebrated in a small parish. It tells the everyday stories of three parishioners and how their “living moments” come together in the reception of the Eucharist. Liturgical words and gestures unite their stories resolving them within the Eucharistic celebration.

 

VC 1477                    Eucharist: A Taste of God                                               JSA

cds                                      (Liguori, 1996, 25 minutes)

Each section of this presentation is ten to fifteen minutes and intended for use with small groups for discussion and prayer. It explores the Church’s most powerful resource for spiritual growth and practical living. Topics include Hunger, the Quiet Presence of God, Called to the Gathering, and the Voice of God.

 

VC 1465                    With Burning Hearts                                                        SA

cds                                      (Fisher Production, 1996, 25 minutes)

Fr. Henri Nouwen shows us how the Eucharist is an intensely human event: sadness and loss, attentiveness and invitation, intimacy and engagement. Viewers are inspired with a new appreciation for the Eucharist and its power to touch the soul.

 

VC 1360.04               Lift up Your Hearts—The Eucharistic Prayer                     SA

cds                                      (Liturgy Training Publications, 1995, 30 minutes)

Visit the community of St. Peter Church in Cleveland and see how their recent renovation and catechetical efforts have contributed to a renewed emphasis on the heart of the Mass, the Eucharistic Prayer.

 

VC 1340                    Eucharist: Celebrating Christ Present                                SA

cds                                      (St. Anthony Messenger, 1995, 30 minutes)

This Catholic Update video emphasizes how the community at Eucharist actively carries out the command: “Do this in memory of Me.” The story segment (10 minutes) Do this in memory of Me, features Assunta, the matriarch of an Italian-American family. She is the keeper of family memories and serves as sacristan at the Church. When she suffers a broken hip during Holy Week, her family comes to realize that they must carry on the family traditions and stories. In the witness segment ( 5 minutes) Catholics testify to the meaning of Eucharist in their own parishes. The teaching segment explores Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter, and a music/video segment is a reflection on the Body of Christ.

 

VC 1320                    The Last Supper                                                                 IJSA

cds                                      (Brown/ROA, 30 minutes)

Jesus met with his apostles in the upper room where they shared the meal that history knows as the Last Supper. Filmed and dramatized entirely on authentic locations in the Holy Land and the Middle East, the program depicts the events from Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday.

 

VC 1296.03               Eucharist: Sacrament of Love and Thanksgiving    I

cds                                      (Ikonographics, 20 minutes)

This is part of a seven video series on the sacraments. The presentation is designed to encourage young people to explore their faith and God’s unconditional love.

 

VC 1213.10               Eucharist                                                                              SA

cds                                      (Corpus Video, 1994, 25 minutes)

Fr. Himes shows why Eucharist expresses God’s commitment to us in love.

 

VC 1174                    Eucharist: A Spirituality of Thanksgiving and Hope             SA

cds                                      (Corpus Video, 1993, 15 minutes)

Anthony Padovano, depicts the connection of the Eucharist to real life, using scripture stories as background. The viewer is led to new life in the Christian community as Jesus celebrates the last Supper and calls us to on-going celebration of Eucharist.

 

VC 0825.03               A Priestly People                                                                  A

cds                                      (Institute for Pastoral Ministry, 1990, 17 minutes)

This video highlights changes which have occurred in liturgical practice, particularly those in the Sunday Eucharistic celebration. It calls us to reflect on contemporary methods of developing meaningful, prayerful and participatory worship.

 

VC 0819                    Table of the Lord                                                                JA

cds                                      (Liturgical Press, 1987, 13 minutes)

This visual meditation focuses on the message of Christian responsibility in the Eucharist. It helps us see the connection between the Mass and the rest of the week at work and play.

 

VC 0770                    Celebrating Community: Eucharist                                     A

cds                                      (Twenty-third Publications, 1990, 13 minutes)

This video provides theological and scriptural background for parents to help them understand their role in preparing their child for Eucharist. It helps them reflect on their own understanding of the Sacrament.

 

VC 0761                    Called to Serve: the Eucharistic Minister                             A

cs                                        (Twenty-third Publications, 1991, 30 minutes)

Father Vernon Decoteau addresses practical concerns such as preparation for liturgy, entrance procession, and readying the bowls and cups for distribution. He highlights the historical and theological background of this ministry and discusses the pastoral practice and liturgical role of lay Eucharistic ministers. Study guide and questions for discussion are included.

 

VC 0725                    Loaves of Thanksgiving                                                      SA

cds                                     (Teleketics, 1990, 30 minutes)

This video presents the five aspects of the Liturgy that call us to a greater understanding of what celebrating the Eucharist really means.

 

VC 0425.04               Parent Preparation                                                             A

cs                                      (Ikonographics, 1988, 20 minutes)

This video gives the parents an overview of the children’s catechesis. It invites parents to see the connection between the family table and the Eucharist. It encourages parents in their role as first teachers of their children.

 

VC 0425.02               Giving                                                                                  PI

cs                                      (Ikonographics, 1988, 20 minutes)

Children are shown how giving applies to the Eucharist. It explores how we give with family and friends, how Jesus gave in His life and how we give with family and friends, how Jesus gave in His life and how He continues to give us Himself in the Eucharist.

 

VC 0425.03               Eating                                                                                  PI

cs                                     (Ikonographics, 1988, 20 minutes)

 This video explores the meaning of eating in children’s’ lives and connects that to the meal of the Eucharist.

 

VC 0425.01               Celebrating                                                                          PI

cs                                     (Ikonographics, 1988, 20 minutes)

The children are introduced to the meaning of celebrating in their lives. It explores how we celebrate with friends and family, how Jesus celebrated in his life and how Jesus invites us to celebrate in the Eucharist.

 

VC 0418                    Bread and Wine,They Shall See, Water and Spirit            JSA

cds                                    (Teleketics, 17 minutes)

This video has three stories, the first of which is relevant to teaching Eucharist: 1) Bread and Wine shows scenes of wheat and grapes becoming bread and wine. These scenes are paralleled by the loving growth at a community meal. (5 minutes.)

 

VC 0150                    Understanding the Liturgy                                                  JSA

c                                       (Alpha/Communications Office, 90 minutes)

This is a six part presentation by Ted Stone on the Old Testament Background of the Eucharist, the History of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

 

VC 0119                    Rediscovering the Sacraments                                           JSA

cds                                    (Tabor, 1985, 120 minutes)

This program by Marie and Brennan Hill views the sacraments as an integrated whole but also shows each sacrament as a special and unique experience. Two of the eight 15-minute segments are:

1. Sacraments: Dynamic Symbols of Christ’s Presence and Power

4. Eucharist: Nourishing the Community

 

VC 0096                    Come Together: An Adult Catechesis on the Eucharist        A

cds                                     (Argus, 1986, 90 minutes)

Six 15-minutes segments, participant’s journal, and facilitator’s guide. Aimed at helping adults renew their participation in the Eucharist and gaining a more personal human understanding of what happens in the liturgy. Maureen Gallagher and Sister Kate Dooley present:

1. Celebrate
2. Remember
3. Gather
4. Share
5. Listen
6. Serve

 

VC 0017.04               Eucharist: Sacrament and Celebration—Christ’s

Presence Among Us                                                           A

cds                                      (Archdiocese of Boston/ Wm. C. Brown, 1988)

 

Videos on First Holy Communion

 

VC 0099                    Grandma’s Bread                                                               PIJSA

cds                                 (Teleketics, 1985, 15 minutes)

This is the story of a friendship between Grandmother and Grandson; a story about tradition, about family, church, Easter, and Eucharist.

 

VC 0706                    Lord of Love                                                                          A

cds                                 (Brown/ROA, 1990, 26 minutes)

Although directed to parents of children preparing for first Eucharist, the brief look at all the sacraments and the history of the Eucharist is of interest to all adults. The meaning and the realities (sacrifice, meal, etc.) of the Eucharist in our everyday life are discussed.

 

VC 0853                    Maria’s First Communion                                                    PIJSA

cds                                 (Twenty-third Publications, 1991, 10 minutes)

Children are encouraged to look to their homes and families as the center of their personal preparation for First Communion. Sacramental catechesis and liturgy are beautifully blended and the role of parents is emphasized.

 

VC 1342                    How to Prepare Your Child For First Eucharist                       A

cds                                 (Ikonographics, 1995, 19 minutes)

Gaynell Cronin offers some personal reflection on the meaning of Eucharist and explores some practical aids to help parents prepare their children for the Sacrament of Eucharist.

 

VC 1407                    First Communion: Taking Your Place at the Table                 SA

cds                                  (St. Anthony Messenger, 33 minutes)

This Catholic Update Video offers parents a basic foundation as they help their children approach the Eucharistic table for the first time. There is a story segment (10 minutes) profiling a child, a witness segment (8 minutes) containing interviews from people preparing children for the sacrament, and a teaching segment (10 minutes) by Fr. Tom Richstatter, which explores the theology of the sacrament.

 

VC 1640                    Meals of Jesus                                                                        P

cds                                 (Ikonographics, 1997, 15 minutes)

This video invites children to discover the meals that Jesus shared with others and the special meal he celebrated at the last supper. When helping children prepare for First Eucharist it broadens their perspective on the meaning of the meal.

 

VC 1759                    The Angel’s First Communion Lesson                                    PIJ

cds                                 (Twenty-third Publications, 1999, 13 minutes)

In this video presentation the angels speak of Jesus’ presence at Mass and of the very special gift of the Eucharist in simple and clear language. Children are reminded of the forgiveness they celebrate in the sacrament of Reconciliation. It is a wonderful teaching tool for a First Communion program.

 

VC 1784.01               Eucharist: Celebrating our Faith—Children                            PI

cds                                 (Brown/ROA, 1999, 45 minutes)

In this eight-episode video, children are helped to prepare for the beauty of First Communion and the blessings of staying close to Jesus all their lives. It is designed to be used with the Brown/Roa Sacrament program but can be used in a variety of ways. The brief episodes are:

• Belonging
• Invited to the Table
• Feasting on God’s Word
• Offering our Gifts
• Remembering and Giving Thanks
• Sharing the Bread of Life
• Going Forth to Love and Serve

 

VC 2126                   First Communion: A Family Journey                                          PA

cds                                (Oblate Media, 2000, 20 minutes)

This presentation is a great resource for family catechesis. It provides separate segments for children and parents in which the meaning of the Eucharist, Baptism and full membership in the church is made clear. It provides suggestions for family involvement and shows clips of First Communion celebrations gaining a greater sense of the universality of this important step in the child's life.

 

Textbooks on First Holy Communion

 

 The Media Center has these materials available.

 

Benziger

• First Eucharist, 1996 (Primary)
• Eucharist, 1996 (Intermediate)
• Jesus, Be With Us 1989 (Primary)
• Jesus, Give Us Life 1989 (Middle Grades)

 

Harcourt Religion Publishers

• Celebrating Our Faith: Eucharist, 2000
• Celebrating Our Faith (Level 2), 2002

 

Pflaum Publishing Group

• Together in Jesus: First Eucharist Preparation, 2001
• Eucharist Preparation, 2001

 

Living the Good News

• First Eucharist and Beyond, 2000

 

Our Sunday Visitor

• Around the Lord’s Table, 1996
• Called To His Supper, 1992

 

Pauline Books and Media

• Jesus Brings Us Life, 1997

 

RCL

• Eucharist, 2003

 

Sadlier

• First Eucharist, 1996

 

Silver Burdett Ginn

• We Celebrate The Eucharist, 1990
• The Gift of Eucharist, 2000

 

Treehaus Communications

• God’s Greatest Gift: Preparing for First Eucharist, 2002

 

Twenty-Third Publications

• On Our Way with Jesus: We Share in the Eucharist, 1997

 

Websites on Eucharist

 

http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt2sect2chpt1art3.htm

            This is the Catechism’s section on the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

 

http://www.ewtn.com/faith/teachings/euchmenu.htm

EWTN’s web site has many links to pages on the Eucharist, including basic doctrine, Mass and Communion, Eucharist in Scripture, Eucharistic devotion, and Church documents.

 

http://www.blessedsacrament.com/theology/

This site is hosted by the Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament. It has a good “Q and A” section on the Eucharist as well as a general bibliography.

 

http://www.usccb.org/dpp/realpresence.htm

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has a section of their website on Statements published by the Bishops. One such statement is “The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. Basic Questions and Answers.” (June 15, 2001) This is the link to the full text of the statement.

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