– the core of the Church’s life The Eucharist – the core of the Church’s life

…the body and blood of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit. Bread and wine are transformed (changed) into… …the body and blood of Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Eucharist or “communion” (meaning “one with”) is celebrated at “Mass” another name for the Eucharistic celebration. The Eucharist nourishes our spirit and refreshes our soul and brings us into relationship with Christ and his church, the people of God.

The first Eucharist was celebrated at the Last Supper that Jesus shared with his Apostles the night before he would die on the cross. He gathered with his Apostles to eat the Passover meal and to remember the Jewish escape from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land. He sat at table, shared the bread and wine with his apostles and said… “Take and eat, this is my body…and, drink the cup of my blood which will be poured out for the forgiveness of sins.” “Do this in memory of me.”

Catholics celebrate the Eucharist during the Mass Catholics celebrate the Eucharist during the Mass. The word “Mass” came from the Latin “ita missa est” which the priest would recite at the end of the celebration. He said, “go you are dismissed.” Today the priest says… “Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord and one another.” In other words, become what you receive!

The Mass has two main parts: The Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. When the lector reads from the Bible all listen attentively to the “Word of God.”

The Liturgy of the Eucharist includes the prayers for the church, blessing and consecration of the bread and wine to become the body and blood of Christ and the rite of communion. Catholics receive communion (the Eucharist) in the form of a host (or piece of flat bread) and drink the precious blood from the cup which contains the wine. Only fully initiated Catholics receive the Eucharist at Mass. That is, those who have been baptised, confirmed and received their first Eucharist. The bread is placed in the left hand and placed on the tongue with the right hand.

“We are one body, one body in Christ.” After receiving communion all remain reflective and show their unity by singing the communion song or remaining quiet and reflecting on the presence of God within them. “We are one body, one body in Christ.”

“…Love others as I have loved you.” John 15:12. The Mass or liturgical celebration concludes with the final blessing by the priest. All sing the final song with enthusiasm and reverence, happy to have received the Eucharist and feeling rejuvenated and one in the Lord. “…Love others as I have loved you.” John 15:12.