At Mass we recreate the Last Supper where Jesus brings is disciples together to break bread
and drink of the cup that will become Jesus in the Most Precious Body and Blood at Mass.
Jesus left us this gift so that we might be physically and spiritually "fed" to strengthen us for our work
in the world.
The Catholic Church teaches that Jesus "is truly present" in the consecrated Communion wafer and wine, also known as the Eucharist, (which means thanksgiving) each time parishioners receive them.
The bread and wine become the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus, so great reverence
should be shown when receiving communion whether in the form of the
Precious body or Precious blood of Christ.
The Archdiocese of Boston is currently celebrating the
"Year of the Eucharist" to help the faithful come to know
and understand the
"True Presence" of Jesus in the Eucharist.
Click here for more information!
Low-Gluten Hosts
We have low-gluten hosts available at both St. Mary and St. Helen's for those who require it at all of our Masses. The Holy Mothers Collaborative uses the host with the lowest gluten currently available
with .002 % (< 20ppm) gluten.
Low- Gluten Mass Procedure (during Pandemic)
To receive a low gluten host at any of our public Masses,
please just request a low gluten host
BEFORE MASS when you are checking in
and the Priest or Extraordinary Minister
will provide one for you from
a seperate plate where you will take it off
so there is no cross-contamination from those
who have handling traditional hosts.
There is no 100% "gluten free" host used in the Catholic Mass,
to learn why that is
click here.
Holy Communion for the Sick & Homebound
Currently Suspended during Pandemic
For Parishioners in the Hanover and Norwell area who cannot attend Mass due to illness or physical incapacity, we have Extraordinary Ministers who can bring Holy Communion to you periodically.
Please call the parish office at (781) 826-4303 for more information.
If you are looking for First Holy Communion Information for Grade 2 students,
please check our Youth Faith Formation Page.