What you need for a Eucharistic celebration

Use this shopping list to prepare the church, communion table, altar, music area, and refreshments without last-minute gaps. Confirm the expected communion number before buying or setting out communion trays, plates, goblets, and wine service items. For the reception, match cups, plates, cutlery, serving trays, and hot-drink equipment to the number of guests. Check borrowed furniture and technical equipment at least one week before the celebration.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Chairsqty 120
Tablesqty 12
Changing room rackqty 2
Pulpit or lectern

Tableware

Communion traysqty 6
Communion plate
Gobletqty 2
Water jugsqty 2
Wine pitcher
Coffee cupsqty 100
Tea glassesqty 50
Pastry platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Wireless microphoneqty 2
Microphone standsqty 2
Musical instrumentsqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 3
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 2

Kitchen

Serving tongsqty 6
Pouring jugsqty 8
Cutting boardsqty 3
Cake serversqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 8

Decorations

Altar clothsqty 2
Lectern runner
Flower arrangementsqty 4
Processional cross
Altar cross
Candlesqty 12
Candlesticksqty 6
Nativity scene or theme board
Table floral arrangementsqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Mass wine - 2 bottles
- Communion wafers - 150 pieces
- Gluten-free wafers - 10 pieces
- Coffee beans - 3 kilo
- Tea bags - 100 pieces
- Black tea - 30 bags
- Herbal tea - 30 bags
- Fruit tea - 20 bags
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- White sugar - 2 kilos
- Sweeteners - 200 pieces
- Granulated sugar - 1 kilo
- Still water - 12 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Butter cake - 6 pieces
- Apple pie - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free cake - 2 pieces
- Vegan cake - 2 pieces
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Paper napkins - 300 pieces
- Stir sticks - 250 pieces
- Coffee filters - 100 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 48 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 10 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 packs
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs

Tips

Confirm the communion number 7–10 days beforehand, then check that the communion trays and plate can serve everyone without repeated searching during the service.
Count one coffee cup, tea glass, pastry plate, and cutlery set per expected guest, plus 10% extra. For 50 guests, prepare 55 of each serving item.
Test the wireless microphone, stands, instruments, extension cords, and power strips at least 24 hours before the celebration. Bring enough extension cord length to reach the sound position safely.
Set aside the altar cloths, lectern runner, and flower arrangements the day before. This prevents decorative items from being mixed with reception supplies during church setup.
Plan hot drinks before shopping: allow one coffee or tea serving per guest, then add 10% extra. Check that the coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks, coolers, and pouring jugs are clean and ready.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a Eucharistic celebration?: You need communion trays, a communion plate, a goblet, water jugs, a wine pitcher, altar cloths, and a lectern runner. Also check the practical setup: chairs, tables, a pulpit or lectern, sound equipment, musical instruments, and refreshments if a reception follows.
How many cups and plates do I need for a church reception?: Plan one coffee cup, tea glass, pastry plate, and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 50 guests, that means 55 cups, 55 glasses, 55 plates, and 55 cutlery sets.
When should I buy supplies for a Eucharistic celebration?: Buy or confirm non-perishable supplies at least 7 days before the celebration. Check fresh flowers, refreshments, and any borrowed equipment 1–2 days beforehand so replacements are still possible.
How much communion tableware is needed?: Base the quantity on the confirmed communion number, not the invitation count. Check the trays and communion plate 7–10 days before the service, and keep a small reserve if the final number may change.

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