The Life Giving Sacraments
The Sacrament of the Holy
Eucharist
The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the
true Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ
hidden under the appearance of bread and wine.
How are the bread and wine changed into the Body
and Blood of Christ?
The bread and wine are changed into the
Body and Blood of Christ by the power of God
through the ministry of the Priest. This is called
‘Transubstantiation’
When are the bread and wine changed into the Body
and Blood of Christ?
The bread and wine are changed into the
Body and Blood of Christ during the Sacrifice of
the Mass at the Consecration.
What are the Words of Consecration?
The Words of Consecration are the same as
those used by Jesus at the Last Supper, when he
broke the bread, gave it to his disciples, and
said:
"Take this, all of you, and eat it: this
is my Body which will be given up for you."
And then, he gave the cup to his disciples, and
said:
"Take this, all of you, and drink from
it: this is the cup of my Blood, the blood of the
new and everlasting covenant. It will be shed for
you and for all so that sins may be forgiven. Do
this in memory of me."
Why has Jesus given himself to us in the Holy
Eucharist?
Jesus has given himself to us in the Holy
Eucharist to nourish and strengthen his life
within us - the life and love of God that we
received at our Baptism. Jesus said: ‘I am the
living bread which has come down from Heaven.
Anyone who eats this bread will live for ever.’
Is Jesus received whole and entire when we
receive the Host in Holy Communion?
Yes, Jesus is received whole and entire
when we receive the Host in Holy Communion.
Is Jesus received whole and entire when we
receive from the Chalice in Holy Communion?
Yes, Jesus is received whole and entire
when we receive from the Chalice in Holy
Communion.
What must we do to receive Holy Communion
worthily?
To receive Holy Communion worthily we must
be in a state of grace. We must also not have
taken any food or drink for at least one hour
beforehand (except water).
What is meant by being ‘in a state of grace’?
To be ‘in a state of grace’ means to be
free from grave or mortal sin and pleasing to God.
Is it a sin to receive Holy Communion if we are
not in a state of grace?
Yes, it is a grave sin to receive Holy
Communion if we are not in a state of grace.
Can non-Catholics receive Holy Communion in a
Catholic Church?
Non-Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion
in a Catholic Church except in very exceptional
circumstances: firstly, they must be Christians
and fully share Catholic beliefs about the
Eucharist; secondly, they must need to receive the
Eucharist and be unable to do so from priests of
their own church; thirdly, they must ask to
receive communion of their own free will;
fourthly, they must be in a state of grace.
Is the Holy Eucharist a Sacrament only?
The Holy Eucharist is not only a Sacrament;
it is also a Sacrifice.
What is a Sacrifice?
A Sacrifice is a prayerful offering made to
God by a priest.
What is the great Sacrifice of the Church founded
by Christ?
The great Sacrifice of the Church is the
Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.
What is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass?
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the
Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ,
really present on the altar under the appearances
of bread and wine, and offered to God for the
living and the dead.
Is the Holy Mass one and the same Sacrifice with
that of the Cross?
The Holy Mass is one and the same Sacrifice
with that of the Cross, because Jesus Christ, who
offered himself on the Cross to his Heavenly
Father for the forgiveness of sins and the
salvation of the whole human race, continues to
offer himself to the Father, for us, on the altar
through the ministry of his priests.
For what purpose is the Sacrifice of the Mass
offered?
The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered to
give honor and glory to God, to thank God for all
his gifts, to atone (make amends) for our sins and
to obtain all other graces and blessings for the
living and the dead.
Is the Mass also a Memorial of the Passion and
Death of Our Lord?
Yes, the Mass is also a Memorial of the
Passion and Death of Our Lord, because at the Last
Supper, the night before he suffered and died,
Jesus said: ‘ Do this in memory of me.’
