What is the Eucharist?

Eucharist is a sacrament of initiation. It is the center of the Catholic faith. When we receive the Eucharist, we eat the body and drink the blood of Jesus Christ, who suffered and died on the cross for us. Eucharist is considered a meal and a sacrifice and this is a sacrament that is performed at every Catholic Mass during the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is also called Holy Communion.

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What exactly is the Liturgy of the Eucharist?

The Liturgy of the Eucharist is a part of the Catholic Mass during which ordinary bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ through transubstantiation. During the liturgy of the Eucharist, the priest repeats the words and actions that Jesus performed during the last supper he had with his apostles. We remember the sacrifice Jesus made for us, dying on the cross for our sins.

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Who can receive the Eucharist? After a Catholic person has been baptized and has gone to the sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time, he or she will begin preparing to receive the Eucharist. The first time a person receves the Eucharist is commonly called First Holy Communion. Many people receive First Holy Communion as children, but it can happen at any point during a person's life. [back to the top]

How often should I go to communion? A Catholic person is expected to attend Mass every Sunday and on holy days and should try to receive communion on every one of those days. However, it is important to remember not to receive communion if there is a mortal sin you need to confess or if you have eaten within an hour before the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Also, Church law requires that every Catholic receive Holy Communion at least once a year, during the Easter season. This is often referred to as the Easter Duty.

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What is a host?

The host is the piece of bread that becomes the body of Christ during the Eucharist. The host is often held on a paten, or a plate, while it is being distributed. After the bread has changed to the body of Christ, it is stored in a tabernacle behind the church altar.

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What is a chalice?

A chalice is the cup that holds the wine that becomes the blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

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