The Eucharist The source and summit of our faith

Importance of the Eucharist We recall what God has revealed to us through history (Liturgy of the Word) We recall what God has revealed to us through history (Liturgy of the Word) We remember and make present the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus (the Paschal mystery) We remember and make present the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus (the Paschal mystery) We receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We receive the Body and Blood of Christ. We are united across time and space with the communion of saints. We are united across time and space with the communion of saints.

History of the Eucharist Roots found in the account of the Exodus. Roots found in the account of the Exodus. The Passover and the sacrificial (paschal) lamb. The Passover and the sacrificial (paschal) lamb. Jesus shared meals with his followers. Jesus shared meals with his followers. He multiplied the loaves and fishes. He multiplied the loaves and fishes. He called Himself the “bread of life” and promises eternal life to those who “eat my flesh and drink my blood.” He called Himself the “bread of life” and promises eternal life to those who “eat my flesh and drink my blood.”

Institution of the Eucharist At the last supper, the Passover meal, Jesus blessed the bread and wine, changing it into His Body and Blood. At the last supper, the Passover meal, Jesus blessed the bread and wine, changing it into His Body and Blood. Jesus is the new Paschal lamb. Jesus is the new Paschal lamb.

Meaning of the Eucharist Thanksgiving and praise Thanksgiving and praise Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving. Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning Thanksgiving. Memorial of Christ’s passover sacrifice – we actually participate in the event The Eucharist is reparation for sin. Presence of Christ – in the assembly, in the Scripture, in the presider, and in the consecrated bread and wine (His body and blood)

Terms Consecration – the part of the Mass in which the priest prays over the bread and wine, repeating Jesus’ prayers from the Last Supper. Consecration – the part of the Mass in which the priest prays over the bread and wine, repeating Jesus’ prayers from the Last Supper. Transubstantiation – the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. Transubstantiation – the changing of the bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Vestments Alb – long white robe that the celebrant wears over his regular clothes; symbolizes baptism Alb – long white robe that the celebrant wears over his regular clothes; symbolizes baptism Cincture – rope like belt Cincture – rope like belt Stole – long scarf-like vestment worn by priests and deacons around their necks as a sign of their ordained ministry Stole – long scarf-like vestment worn by priests and deacons around their necks as a sign of their ordained ministry Chasuble – colorful outer garment worn over the alb. The color reflects the liturgical season or feast. Chasuble – colorful outer garment worn over the alb. The color reflects the liturgical season or feast.

Sacred Vessels Chalice – golden cup that holds the Blood of Christ Chalice – golden cup that holds the Blood of Christ Ciborium (from Latin word for bread) --holds the consecrated hosts (sometimes a bread plate is used) Ciborium (from Latin word for bread) --holds the consecrated hosts (sometimes a bread plate is used) Pyx – vessel used to carry the Eucharist to the sick Pyx – vessel used to carry the Eucharist to the sick Monstrance – vessel used to display the consecrated host during Adoration. Monstrance – vessel used to display the consecrated host during Adoration.

Ways to serve at liturgy Greeters Greeters Lectors Lectors Cantors and music ministers Cantors and music ministers Gift bearers Gift bearers Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist Altar servers/acolytes Altar servers/acolytes