All baptized Christians (of any age or denomination) are welcomed to receive communion in our church.

Our primary worship service is the Holy Eucharist, also known as the Mass, Holy Communion, or the Lord’s Supper. We believe that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine that we receive at the altar rail, so we treat it with the utmost respect. For this reason, some parents wish to have their children instructed in the meaning of communion before they allow their children to receive. Other parents wish for their children to receive as soon as possible. At Ascension we respect the wishes of each family as to when their children begin receiving communion.

If you DO NOT wish for your child to receive, please have them cross their arms at the altar rail and they will receive a blessing. Please be aware that if your child extends his or her hands, the priest is likely to give them communion, because it isn’t always easy to remember which children receive and which don’t. If you want your child to receive simply have them hold out their hands and they will receive the host (communion bread).

Every other year (alternating with the years we teach confirmation classes) we offer a communion class for children in 3rd grade or higher, instructing them on some of the meaning of the sacrament. These classes generally graduate on Pentecost Sunday, when the class receives communion, which for many of the children will be their “First Communion.”