1. Celebrating Christ’s Saving Presence in our Midst
Eucharist
Celebrating Christ’s Saving Presence in our Midst

2. Eucharist Sacrament of Initiation
Real (not symbolic) Presence of Christ in the world
Especially present in the Eucharistic Species-the bread and wine that are consecrated as Jesus’ body and blood

3. Eucharistic Celebration
Gathering Rites: Kyrie, Gloria, Opening Prayer
Liturgy of the Word: Proclaiming the Word of God (1st reading, psalm, 2nd reading, Alleluia, Gospel, homily, Creed, Prayers of the Faithful)
Liturgy of the Eucharist-”Holy, holy, holy,” consecration, Great Amen, Our Father and Sign of Peace, Lamb of God, Fraction Rite, Communion Rite
Dismissal/Concluding Rite

4. 4 Essential Actions (During the Eucharist)
Word-proclamation of the Scriptures
Thanksgiving-offering of thanks to God for all blessings especially Jesus
Consecration-the action of Christ, through the priest’s saying the words, to change the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood, by the power of the Holy Spirit
Communion-the sacred meal-receiving Christ in the consecrated bread and wine

5. Four Essential Movements
Taken: from our everyday existence to share in unity with the Church and with Christ
Blessed: in the prayers, in the Word of God proclaimed, in the blessing of the gifts at the altar uniting our lives to the sacrifice of Christ
Broken: like Christ, we bring our brokenness to be made whole
Given: like Christ, for the life of the world

6. Symbolism of Bread Bread is a basic food
It is closely associated with God and nature’s bountifulness
Bread is also the product of human work
It is a gift from God and a work of human hands
Eating bread implies gaining life from it

7. Symbolism of Wine Drink is essential to life
Sharing a common cup shows that all are welcome and included at the meal

8. Eucharist’s History Passover Seder-Jesus’ Last Supper
Synagogue Service-hearing the word and sharing prayer
Early Church- agape- love feast or fellowship meal, the Lord’s Supper

9. Changes of Vatican II The common vernacular replaced Latin
Standing for communion replaced kneeling
People were invited to take communion in their hands instead of just the tongue
Wine was offered to the whole congregation
Singing was encouraged
Laity was invited to participate in various liturgical ministries including lectors and Eucharistic ministers

10. Importance
Eucharist is central as the source and summit of Christian life.