1. THE EUCHARIST IN OUR LIVES Chapter 23

2. Source and Summit The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life  Vatican II It is Jesus, the source of all grace Summit = highest point

3. The Eucharist and the Other Sacraments “The Eucharist crowns all other sacraments”  St. Thomas Aquinas Baptism allows us to become members of the Church and receive the Eucharist Penance takes away our sins so we can receive the Eucharist with pure hearts Confirmation gives us the gifts of the Holy Spirit, which allows us to know and love Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament Anointing of the Sick prepares people to receive Christ one final time here on earth Holy Orders gives one the divine power of consecration Holy Matrimony binds together man and woman in love  A love which is supposed to show how Christ loves the Church  He gives Himself completely to it (in the Eucharist)

4. Proper Reception of Holy Communion Proper reception necessary in order to truly receive the graces  Must be open to receiving them No mortal sin on the soul  We should ask God to forgive our venial sins during the Penitential Rite True faith in Jesus’ Real Presence  “Whoever… eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and blood of the Lord” – 1 Cor. 11:27 Eucharistic Fast  1 hour before receiving Communion  Can only take medicine and drink water  No gum/mints/coffee

5. Devotion to the Blessed Sacrament Blessed Sacrament is kept in the tabernacle  Safekeeping  Future Masses  For the sick Tabernacles also exist so we can adore God Monstrance  Special container for adoration  Host is placed in the luna Benediction  When the priest uses the monstrance to bless the people with Jesus