The Eucharist The Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ

The Eucharist – pictorial summary Origins of the Eucharist The Sacrament of the Eucharist Celebrating the Eucharist Questions

ORIGINS OF THE EUCHARIST The night before Jesus died on the cross, he ate a special meal with his friends

He broke up a loaf of bread and said, "This is my body, given for you He broke up a loaf of bread and said, "This is my body, given for you. Do this to remember me." He took a cup of wine and said, "This is my blood, poured out to forgive the sins of many."

The next day Jesus died on the cross. Today, Christians still remember Jesus' death by sharing bread and wine together.

This has many names - Communion, Mass, Eucharist, Lord's Supper and Breaking of Bread. Churches do this in different ways. They may use little glasses or a big silver cup, little wafers or a loaf of bread.

Christians celebrate the death of Jesus because it shows the extent God would go to show his love for us.

Eucharist 1. Meaning: “THANKSGIVING” (Greek: eucharista = thanksgiving) 2. Recalls the “Last Supper” 3. Sacrament of INITIATION into Christ 4. Sacrament of the Body and Blood of Christ 5. We become the “Body of Christ” - Church

The Last Supper – the unforgettable meal 1. God’s deliverance of his people from Egypt 2. Jesus’ last meal with his companions 3. Before he sacrificed his life for his friends 4. The meal to always remember him by 5. The meal that unites us to him and one another 6. Until we are reunited with him

Jesus took the two most common elements of the meal – bread and wine: Which earth have given And human hands have made They will become for us The bread of life & Our spiritual drink (“Blessed be God forever!”)

Jesus blest & broke the bread and gave it to his disciples He did the same with the wine.

“This is my body… this is my blood.” and “Do this in memory of me.” In the Mass The priest blesses the bread and wine And recalls Jesus’ words: “This is my body… this is my blood.” and “Do this in memory of me.”

The bread and wine we receive (We accept this in faith) are now the Body & Blood of Jesus Christ (We accept this in faith)

The Body and Blood of Jesus Christ Not just “symbols” of Christ but THE SACRAMENT OF CHRIST where Jesus Christ is truly present under the appearance of bread and wine (We accept this in faith)

Until you come in glory.” So from now on: “When we eat this bread And drink this cup, We proclaim your death, Lord Jesus, Until you come in glory.”

We reverence this Sacrament as we reverence the person of Jesus Christ: “Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed.”

First Holy Communion Traditionally, those making their wear white to show their sincerity and new life in Jesus Christ

Throughout the ages, the Church has celebrated the reception of Communion, especially, the First Holy Communion, with great reverence and joy.

It is a joyful and memorable day …

In the life of the individual …

…for the whole family…

…and for the whole Church.

No matter our race, culture, background, gender or age … The Eucharist unites us all to Jesus Christ and to one another. We truly become The Body of Christ – the Church- in our world

THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST THE CELEBRATION OF THE MASS That is why we refer to: THE CELEBRATION OF THE EUCHARIST Or THE CELEBRATION OF THE MASS

Pope John-Paul II Celebrating the Eucharist in various Parts of the world

The Liturgy of the Eucharist

The Eucharist is usually celebrated In a church building or chapel And the ceremony is called THE MASS

There are four parts to the Mass: Introductory Rites Liturgy of the Word Liturgy of the Eucharist Communion

QUESTIONS