THE SACRAMENTS CHAPTERS 5 & 6 THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST

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1 THE SACRAMENTS CHAPTERS 5 & 6 THE SACRAMENT OF THE HOLY EUCHARIST

2 Introduction to the Eucharist The Eucharist is the Sacrament instituted at the Last Supper in which the one Sacrifice of Christ on the Cross is re-presented in the Mass. In the Eucharist, Christ is really and truly present through transubstantiation in which the appearance of the bread and wine remain but their substance is changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

3 Source and Summit The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. Eucharist: to give thanks Completes a person s Christian initiation

4 Source and Summit EUCHARIST The entire Mass, the Church s official form of worshipping the Father The consecrated Body and Blood of Christ that we receive during Communion

5 Old Testament Roots The Eucharist is foreshadowed: when the priest Melchizedek offered God bread and wine Genesis 14:17-20 in the Passover Ritual Exodus 12:1-15 when God provides manna in the wilderness for the Israelites Exodus 16 in the Todah sacrifice or thanks offering of bread and wine 1 Chronicles 16

6 Instituted by Christ Jesus changes water into wine at Cana John 2:1-12 The miracle of the loaves and fishes John 6:1-15 Jesus and the Bread of Life John 6:48-58 Jesus celebrated the Last Supper Luke 22:14-20

7 The Institution of the Jesus anticipated his own Passion and Death and interpreted them in light of the Jewish Passover and its sacrifice. All of the Old Testament sacrifices were fulfilled and perfected in the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross. Eucharist

8 Names for the Eucharist Breaking of the Bread Eucharist thanksgiving Eucharistic Assembly Holy Communion Most Blessed Sacrament Lord s Supper Holy Mass Holy and Divine Liturgy Memorial and Holy Sacrifice

9 Christ s Real Presence in the Eucharist In the Body and Blood of Christ, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained. TRANSUBSTANTIATION Change of substance

10 Understanding the Eucharist as a Sacrifice Each Mass is the representation in our midst of the ONE eternal sacrifice that Jesus made on the Cross more than two thousand years ago.

11 Did you know? The matter of the Eucharist is bread made from wheat flour and wine from grapes.

12 Did you know? The form of the Eucharist is the words of consecration pronounced by the celebrant who acts in the person of Christ. Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you. Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me. (Roman Missal 2011)

13 Did you know? Only a validly ordained bishop or priest is the minister of the Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Catholic Church acknowledges the validity of Holy Orders in the Eastern Orthodox churches.

14 The Structure of the Mass LITURGY OF THE WORD INTRODUCTORY RITES First Reading Entrance & Greeting Responsorial Psalm LITURGY OF Penitential Rite Second Reading THE EUCHARIST Gloria Alleluia or Acclamation Offertory Opening Gospel Eucharistic Prayer CONCLUDING RITE Prayer Homily Communion Rite Blessing Creed Dismissal General Intercessions

15 Eucharistic Prayer Preface prayer of thanksgiving to the Father Sanctus Holy, Holy, Holy Epiclesis calling down of the Holy Spirit Words of Institution repeats the words of Christ at the Last Supper Anamnesis memorial Intercessions for all gathered; pope, bishop, clergy; Catholics in need; faithful departed Doxology reminder of our initiation into the life of the Trinity Great Amen so be it

16 Effects of the Eucharist It renews the graces that we received in Baptism (and Confirmation) It makes us living members of the Body of Christ, the Church It unites us more deeply with Christ It fortifies us for the battle against sin

17 Unity with Christ Christ becomes a part of us We become a part of him.

18 Becoming Church Every Eucharist helps us form and build the Church We can participate in the local parish. We can contribute in mission activity. We can animate our daily activity with Christian spirit. We can engage in evangelization. We can build community with the parish. We can help strengthen the unity of all Christians through prayer.

19 Separation from Sin The more we share the life of Christ, the more difficult it is to break away from him by mortal sin.

20 To Be Eucharist to Others The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognize Christ in the poorest, his brethren.

21 The Sunday Obligation A precept of the Church: on Sunday and other holy days of obligation the faithful are bound to participate in the Mass. Participation in the communal celebration of the Sunday Eucharist is a testimony of belonging and of being faithful to Christ and to his Church.