The Sacrament of Eucharist (Religion Course Unit Content)

8/10/2019 The Sacrament of Eucharist (Religion Course Unit Content)

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The Sacrament of Eucharist

OVERVIEW: This document is a preparation content for a course on Sacrament of Eucharist for the

beginners in Christian Theological (religious) study. The content is prepared based on Youth Catechism

(Youcat) and CCC. This unit is of Part IV course: Religion(Don Bosco College Yelagiri Hills).

DOCUMENT CITATION

Religion: The Sacrament of Eucharist (Course Content), Department of Foundation Studies, Don

Bosco College, Yelagiri Hills, January 2015.

REFERENCES

1.

Catechism of Catholic Church(CCC)

2.

Youcat,Youth Catechism (YC)

3.

Sabrina Arlene Ventigan and Jesusa Charisma Nofies, Project in Faith-2: Holy Eucharist,December. 21, 2009 (PowerPoint).

4.

Steve Surprenant, Sacraments: The Eucharist, Mercy Community Health, CT, February 3, 2009

(PowerPoint).

5.

Aira del Rosario, Sacraments of the Church: Holy Eucharist, April 3, 2014. (PowerPoint).

Table of Content

Learning Objectives

Cocktail

Introduction

Lords Supper: the beginning

Historical Background

Theology of Eucharist

Catechism (Faith Instruction)

The Structure of Celebration

Mass Rituals

Workshops Glossary

Quiz


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Objectives

Understand the Biblical foundations of the Catholic Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Impact of historical changes on the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Current sacramental theology of the Sacrament of the Eucharist.

Cocktails

Early Christians viewed the Last Supper from the viewpoint of the Passover meal.

The Upper Room View

The apostles would have seen a short-legged table surrounded by cushions where they

would sit on the table with a bowl of saltwater and dish of bitter herbs, a container of

mashed apples, raisins and plums coated with cinnamon looked like the bricks they

made.

The Last Supper (by Leonardo Da Vinci)

1 CORINTHIANS 11:26

For as often as you eat this bread and drink the chalice, you proclaim the Lords death

until he comes.

ST. IGNATIUS OF ANTIOCH(?-107/117)

We break the one bread that provides the medicine of immortality, the antidote for

death, and the food that makes us live forever in Jesus Chris t.


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ST. AUGUSTINE (354-430) at the time of his conversion

It was as though I heard a voice from on high: I am the food of the strong; eat then of

me and grow. But you will not transform me into yourself like food for the body, but

rather you will be transformed into me.

POPE ST. LEO THE GREAT (ca. 400-461)

Our sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ has no other purpose than to transform us

into that which we receive.

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS (12251274)

The bread and wine changes into Jesus body and blood; all things are made up of

substance and accidents. During the Eucharistic celebration, the substance of thebread and the wine are replaced with the substance or being of Christ. Therefore,

Jesus Real Presence in His Body and Blood at the celebration of the Mass.

ST. FRANCIS DE SALES(1567-1622)

In the Holy Eucharist we become one with God like food with the body.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY (1786-1859, Cure of Ars)

Not to go to Communion is like someone dying of thirst beside a spring.

BL. TERESA OF CALCUTTA(1910-1997)

We must not separate our life from the Eucharist. The moment we do so, something

shatters. People ask us, Where do the Sisters get the joy and the strength to do what

they do? The Eucharist contains more than just receiving; it contains also the

satisfaction of Christs hunger. He says, Come to me. He hungers for souls.

BL. TERESA OF CALCUTTA(1910-1997)

Your life must be woven around the Eucharist. Direct your eyes to him, who is

Light; bring your hearts very close to His Divine Heart; ask Him for the grace to know

Him, for the charity to love Him, for the courage to serve Him. Seek him longingly.


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Introduction

Catholic Church a.k.a"Roman Catholic Church" (Catholic in Greek foruniversal)

All come under the jurisdiction of the Pope, successor of Saint Peter, Bishop of

Rome

Western Rite (Latin Rite)

Eastern Catholic Churches (comprised of 22 rites: Byzantine, Coptic, Armenian,

Maronite, Syriac and Chaldean)

The LordsSupper: the beginningHow was the Lords Supper instituted?(Gospel Narrative:Matthew 26:17-29)

On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked,Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?

He replied, Go into the city to a certain man and tell him, The Teacher says: Myappointed time is near. I am going to celebrate the Passover with my disciples at yourhouse.

So the disciples did as Jesus had directed them and prepared the Passover.

When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.

And while they were eating, he said, I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.

They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, Surely not I, Lord?

Jesus replied, The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betraysthe Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.

Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, Surely not I, Rabbi?

Jesus answered, Yes, it is you.

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to hisdisciples, saying, Take and eat; this is my body.


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Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, Drink from it, all ofyou. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgivenessof sins. I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that daywhen I drink it anew with you in my Fathers kingdom.

[Pastoral Writing: 1 Corinthians 11:23-25]

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you:

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had giventhanks, he broke it and said, This is my body, which is for you; do this inremembrance of me.

In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, This cup is the newcovenant in my blood; do this, wheneveryou drink it, in remembrance of me.

Historical Background

Early Church (40 AD)

Early Church followed command of Jesus and broke bread in His Memory.

Apostles and their successors developed the Eucharistic celebration into the

structure that endures to this day.

First named it as Breakingof the Bread.

Separation of Rite (act of worship) from Meal (agape); because of abuses atmeals (1Cor 11:17-22)

Meal (agape) replaced with Liturgy of the Word.

Eucharist was moved to Sunday (in memory of Christs resurrection).

Modeled after synagogue prayer.

Included readings from Scripture, Singing of Psalms and an Instruction (homily).

Added prayers of thanksgiving, praise and intercession (eucharistein=thanksgiving) using words of Jesus.

After Year 150 AD

Basic structure of the Mass was already in place

Mass celebrated in peoples homes (as communities grew, became more difficult)


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2nd and 3rd Centuries

Absence of the Apostles

Christians began to reflect upon the writings of 1st generation leadersSt. Paul,

St. Peter, St. Jude and St. James

Jewish-Christians were excluded in Synagogue Service

Early Christians then added its prayers, singing, and homily to the Eucharistic

liturgy (like in synagogue service)

Standardization of Celebration

Two readings (by a lector)

Homily (by the priest)

Eucharistic Prayer and Communion

Collections (for widows, orphans and needy)

Freedom in creation of prayers

Over time, prayers became standardized

Second Eucharistic Prayer in 215 (from Hippolytus of Rome was incorporated by

Christian communities)

Changes in Celebration

Latin - the language of Eucharistic celebrations

Incense, bells, kissing sacred objects and use of genuflections (in Eucharist)

Celebrants wore vestments and clothes (of Roman senator)

Simple plates and cups (of house worship) became chalices and patens (of

gold/silver)

Latin Mass standard for Western Church (Pope Gregory, 7th century)

Church Fathers

Homilies rich in theology and pastoral in application (Augustine, Chrysostom, etc.)


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Common Themes

The Body of Christ [Eucharist] builds the Body of Christ [Church]"

(You) become that which you receive.

Sacrificial aspect of the Eucharist grew in importance

Meal symbolism faded into the background More stress on Christ's divinity (less worthy to approach the

Lord/Creator)

As a result, decline in reception of communion

Age of Faith (9th 15th century)

Gothic cathedrals in medieval Europe (resurgence of faith)

Religious processions, pilgrimages to shrines, new religious orders

Decline in active participation in the Mass More focus on Eucharistic adoration then receiving communion

Emphasis on Sacrifice

Laity became spectators to a drama on the altar

Consecration became the high point of the Mass

Assembly and Choir (public view) were separated from altar with stones/irons

Introduced ringing of bells for congregantsattention (at consecration time)

Mass remained in Latin

Monks and priests conducted corporate liturgy (? private masses?)

Adoration of Blessed Sacrament (popular along with benediction, Corpus

Christi processions, etc.)

Lateran Council IV (1215)

o Communion at least once-a-year (at Easter time)

o Thomas Aquinas (Christs Real Presence and introduced the concept

of transubstantiation

The Reformation

COUNCIL OF TRENT (1545) (on Reformation and its challenges)

Re-affirmed Real Presence and theology of Transubstantiation

Upheld sacrificial nature of the Mass

In 1570, Pius V (standard book for celebration of Mass)


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Participation of people (more devotional than liturgical worship)

Latin remained Mass text

Late Middle Ages Introduction of Baroque architecture

Worship space glowed with self-confidence and triumph

Eucharist was Low Masses (without music and assembly attended in silence)

19th century: need to return to the sources of the liturgy

Pre-Vatican Council

Mid 1800s liturgical change had begun

Benedictines revived earlier liturgical practices

Pope Pius X (1903-1914) encouraged

o use of Gregorian chant

o frequent Communion

o lowering the age for First Communion

Pius XIIsMediator Dei(1947) - powerful impetus to liturgical movement

Joseph Jungmann, S.J. (1951), The Mass of the Roman Rite, revealed the

complex history of the Mass.

Vatican Council-IISacrosanctum Concilium(1963) Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy

The first document approved by Council Fathers:

The liturgy is the summit to which the activity of the Church is directed; it is also

the fount from which all her power flows. (SC 10).

The celebration of the Eucharist is the celebration of the entire community.

Post-Vatican Council-IIChanges introduced in Eucharist

Priest now faced the people

Vernacular (local) languages replaced the Latin


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People shook hands at the greeting of peace

Congregation was asked to participate actively in Mass (sing and pray at

various times)

Inclusion of Prayer of the Faithful

People were invited to receive Communion

Either in the hand or on the tongue and to stand at its reception

They were offered the chalice (they could share Communion under both

species: Eucharistic - Bread and Wine)

More Changes

Laity and religious: can serve Communion (as extraordinary ministers)

Married deacons: to assist the priest at Mass and preach homilies

Entrance processions: were added Gifts: people brought up the gifts (at the presentation of offerings)

Mass Readings: a three-year series of Scripture (covering large sections of the

Bible)

Homilies: to explain Scripture and apply it to everyday life

Church Architecture: More functional and minimalist in decoration

Guitar Masses: new hymns were composed (with arguments about taste and

suitability)

Dreams of Liturgical Movement: Spirituality from Eucharistic celebration

Theology of Eucharist

Christian Initiation

The Holy Eucharist completes the Christian initiation of adults who join the

Church. Those who have been raised to the dignity of the royal priesthood by Baptism,

and configured more deeply to Christ by Confirmation, participate with the wholecommunity in the Lord's own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist [1322].

Christian Life

The Eucharist is the source and summary of the Christian life. The other

sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are


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bound up with the Eucharist, and are oriented toward it. By the Eucharistic celebration

we already unite ourselves with the heavenly liturgy and anticipate eternal life, where

God will be all in all. [1407*, 1334-1337].

Paschal Mystery

The Paschal mystery is Christ's work of salvation accomplished principally by his

Passion, death, Resurrection, and gloriousAscension. This mystery is celebrated

and made present in the liturgy of the Church, and its saving effects are communicated

through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. [Glossary, 571, 654, 1362-72].

Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist

Modes of God's Presence in the World: There are many ways in which God is

present in the world. God is in the world sustaining its existence. Christ and the

Holy Spirit are guiding the Church. God is present in the scriptures. The Lord is

present to us during prayer. God is present in other sacraments by their grace

giving. Christ is present during the entire Mass. Christ Jesus is present in the

Eucharist in a special way called the Real Presence. [1374]

Real Presence: The Real Presence is the unique, true presence of Christ in the

Eucharist under the species or appearances of bread and wine. The Church invites

the faithful to deepen their faith in the real presence of Christ through adoration andcommunion during Mass, and through adoration outside its celebration. [Glossary,

1418*, 1376]

Christ Present in the Eucharist:The mode of Christ's presence in the Eucharist

is unique. The body and blood, together with the soul and divinity, of our Lord Jesus

Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained in

the Eucharistic species. This presence is called 'real' because it is presence in the

fullest sense; that is to say, it is a substantial presence by which Christ, God and man,

makes him wholly and entirely present. By the consecration of the bread and wine

there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread and wine into the

body and blood of our Lord. [1374-1376]

Transubstantiation: Transubstantiation is the scholastic term used to designate

the unique change of the entire substance of the Eucharistic bread and wine into the

substance of the body and blood of Christ, even though the appearances or species of

the bread and wine remain. [Glossary, 1376]


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past sins, and helping to preserve from future sins. More specifically, it wipes away

current venial sins, and gives us grace to resist committing future mortal sins. [1391-

1396]

Faith Community (Faith Gathering)

Eucharistic celebration is Gathering of faithful with sense of faith. The purpose of

Eucharistic Celebration is to bring us together into the united body; ready to participate

by giving of ourselves and breaking the bread together. The celebration of the Eucharist

begins as Christians come together in one place. The opening greeting reminds us why

we are gathered to worship.

Catechism (Faith Teaching)

Source:YOUCAT-Youth Catechism: 208-223 (The Sacrament of the Eucharist)

[208]What is Holy Eucharist?

Holy Eucharist is theSACRAMENT in which Jesus Christ gives his Body and Blood

himself - for us, so that we too might give ourselves to him in love and be united with

him in HolyCOMMUNION. In this way we are joined with the one Body of Christ,

theCHURCH. [1322, 1324, 1409, 1413]

[209]When did Christ institute the Eucharist?

Christ instituted the Holy EUCHARIST on the evening before his death, on the night

when he was betrayed (1 Cor 11:23), when he gathered the APOSTLES around him in the

Upper Room in Jerusalem and celebrated the Last Supper with them. [1323, 1337-1340]

[210]How did Christ institute the Eucharist?

For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the

night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and

said, This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me. In the same way


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also the chalice, after supper, saying, This chalice is the new covenant in my blood. Do

this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. (1Cor 11:23-25)

[211]How important is the Eucharist for the Church?

The celebration of the EUCHARIST is the heart of the Christian communion. In it the

CHURCH becomes Church. [1325]

[212]What names are therefore Jesus meant with us, and what do they

mean?

The different names indicate the unfathomable richness of this mystery: the Holy

Sacrifice, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Mass - the Lords Supper - the Breaking of

Bread - the Eucharistic assembly - the memorial of the Lords Passion, death, and

Resurrection - the Holy and Divine Liturgy, the Sacred Mysteries - Holy COMMUNION.

[1328-1332]

Holy Sacrifice, Holy Mass, the Sacrifice of the Mass

The one sacrifice of Christ, which completes and surpasses all sacrifices, is made

present in the celebration of the Eucharist. The CHURCH and the faithful,

through their self-offering, unite themselves with Christs sacrifice. The word

Mass comes from the Latin dismissal,Ite, missa est, Go now, you are sent.

The Lords Supper

Every celebration of the Eucharist is still the one supper that Christ celebrated

with his disciples and, at the same time, the anticipation of the banquet that the

Lord will celebrate with the redeemed at the end of time. We men do not make

the worship service; the Lord is the one who calls us to worship God and is

mysteriously present in the liturgy.

The breaking of bread

The breaking of bread was an old Jewish ritual at meals, which Jesus employed

at the Last Supper to express his gift of self for us (Rom 8:32). In the breaking

of bread the disciples recognized him again after the Resurrection. The early

Church called their liturgical feasts the breaking of bread.

Eucharistic assembly


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The celebration of the Lords Supper is also an assembly of thanksgiving, in

which the CHURCH finds her visible expression.

Memorial of the Lords Passion, death, and Resurrection

In the celebration of the Eucharist, the congregation does not celebrate itself;

rather it discovers and celebrates again and again the presence of Christs saving

passage through suffering and death to life.

Holy and Divine Liturgy, Sacred Mysteries

In the celebration of the Eucharist, the Church in heaven and on earth unites in

one feast. Because the Eucharistic Gifts in which Christ is present are, so to

speak, the holiest thing in the world, we also speak about the Most Blessed

Sacrament.

Holy Communion

Because we unite ourselves with Christ at Holy Mass, and through him are united

with one another, we speak about Holy Communion (communio= fellowship).

[213]What elements are essential to a Holy Mass?

Every Holy Mass (celebration of the Eucharist) unfolds in two main parts, the

Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist. [1346-1347]

[214]How is the Mass structured?Holy Mass begins with the gathering of the faithful and the entrance of the priest

and the others who serve in the sanctuary (altar servers, lectors, cantors, and so

on).

After the greeting comes the Penitential Rite, which concludes with the KYRIE.

On Sundays (outside of Advent and Lent) and feast days, the GLORIA is then

sung or recited.

The prayer of the day introduces one or two readings from the OLD and NEW

TESTAMENT, followed by the responsorial psalm.

Before the Gospel is read, there is an ALLELUIA, or acclamation.


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After the proclamation of the Gospel on Sundays and feast days, the PRIEST or

DEACON gives a HOMILY at least on Sundays and feast days.

Then, again only on Sundays and feast days, the congregation professes its

common faith in the CREED, followed by the intercessions.

The second part of Holy Mass begins with the preparation of the gifts, which

concludes with the Offertory prayer. The high point of the Eucharistic celebration

is the Eucharistic Prayer, which is introduced by the Preface and the SANCTUS.

Now the gifts of bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of

Christ. The Eucharistic Prayer concludes, finally, in the DOXOLOGY, which

makes the transition to the Lords Prayer.

Then comes the prayer for peace, the AGNUS DEI, the breaking of the bread, and

the distribution of the holy Gifts to the faithful, which often is done only under

the form of the Body of Christ. Holy Mass ends with meditation, thanksgiving, a

concluding prayer, and a blessing by the priest. [1348-1355]

[215]Who leads the celebration of the Eucharist?

Actually Christ himself acts in every celebration of the Eucharist. The BISHOP or

the PRIEST represents him. [1348]

[216] In what way is Christ there when the Eucharist is celebrated?

Christ is mysteriously but really present in the SACRAMENT of the EUCHARIST.

As often as the CHURCH fulfills Jesus command, Do this in remembrance of

me (1Cor 11:24), breaks the bread and offers the chalice, the same thing takes

place today that happened then: Christ truly gives himself for us, and we truly

gain a share in him. The unique and unrepeatable sacrifice of Christ on the Cross

is made present on the altar; the work of our redemption is accomplished. [1362-

1367]

[217]What happens in the Church when she celebrates the Eucharist?

Every time the Church celebrates the EUCHARIST, she stands before the source

from which she herself constantly springs anew. By eating the Body of Christ,

the Church becomes the Body of Christ, which is just another name for the

Church. In the sacrifice of Christ, who gives himself to us, body and soul, there is


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room for our whole life. We can unite everything - our work and our sufferings,

our joys - with Christs sacrifice. If we offer ourselves in this way, we are

transformed: We become pleasing to God and like good, nourishing bread

for our fellowmen. [1368-1372, 1414]

[218]What is the right way to honor the Lord present in the bread and

wine?

Because God is truly present in the consecrated species of bread and wine, we

must preserve the sacred gifts with the greatest reverence and worship our Lord

and Redeemer in the Most Blessed Sacrament. [1378-1381, 1418]

[219]How often must a Catholic Christian participate in the celebration

of the Eucharist?

A Catholic Christian is obliged to attend Holy Mass on all Sundays and holy days

of obligation. Anyone who is really seeking Jesus friendship responds as often as

possible to Jesus personal invitation to the feast. [1389, 1417]

[220]What sort of preparation do I need in order to be able to receive

Holy Eucharist?

Someone who would like to receive Holy EUCHARIST must be Catholic. If he has

a serious sin on his conscience, he must first make a confession. Beforeapproaching the altar, one should be reconciled with his neighbors. [1389, 1417]

[221] How does Holy Communion change me?

Every Holy COMMUNION unites me more deeply with Christ, makes me a living

member of the Body of Christ, renews the graces that I received in Baptism and

CONFIRMATION, and fortifies me for the battle against sin. [1391-1397, 1416]

[222]May the Eucharist be administered to non-Catholic Christians also?

Holy COMMUNION is the expression of the unity of the Body of Christ. To

belong to the Catholic CHURCH, one must be baptized in her, share her faith,

and live in union with her. It would be a contradiction if the Church were to invite

to Communion people who do not (yet) share the faith and life of the Church. It

would damage the credibility of the sign of the EUCHARIST. [1398-1401]


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[223]In what way is the Holy Eucharist an anticipation of eternal life?

Jesus promised his disciples and us with them, that we will one day sit at table

with him. Therefore every Holy Mass is a memorial of the blessed Passion

(Eucharistic Prayer I, called the Roman Canon), the fullness of grace, and a

pledge of future glory. [1402-1405]

The Structure: Eucharistic Celebration

Mass is made up of two parts:

1. Liturgy of the Word (ends with homily)

2.

Liturgy of the Eucharist (begins with Creed/Prayers of Faithful)

Structure of Eucharistic Celebration

Liturgy of Word

Homily

Liturgy of Eucharist

Presentation of Gifts

Eucharistic Prayer

Sign of Peace

Distribution and Reception of the Eucharist (final blessing)

Dismissal:Ite, missa est

I. Liturgy of the Word

Liturgy of the Word begins with Readings from the Scripture or the Bible (On

Sundays/solemn days, three Scripture readings are given.

Readings

1.

First Reading

The first reading is from the Old Testament followed by a Responsorial Psalm.

2. Second Reading


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The second reading is from the New Testament usually from the writings of St.

Paul. Through these, God speaks to His people, opens up the meaning of

salvation and nourishes their spirit).

3.

Gospel Reading

The Alleluia is then said or usually sang before the Proclamation of the Holy

Gospel (any of the four Gospels (New Testament).

Homily

Homily follows the Gospel reading as an integral part of the liturgy and is strongly

recommended. Here the priest explains the readings and shares his insights.

II. Liturgy of the EucharistAt the last supper, Christ instituted the sacrifice and paschal meal that make the

sacrifice of the cross to be continuously present in the church. The church then has

planned the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy around the parts corresponding to

these words and actions of Christ.

1. Profession of Faith

The people recite the I Believe which serves as a way for the people to affirm

their faith in the Word of God heard in the readings and through the homily andfor them to call to mind the truths of their faith before they begin to celebrate the

Eucharist.

2. General Intercessions (Prayer of the Faithful)

Here, the people intercede for all humanity. It is appropriate that this prayer be

included in all Masses so that petition will be offered for the Church, for civil

authorities, for those oppressed by different needs and for all people.

3.

Preparation of the Gifts (the Offertory)

At the beginning of the liturgy of the Eucharist the gifts, which will become

Christs body and blood, are brought to the altar. First the altar or the Lords

Table, which is the center of the whole Eucharistic Liturgy, is prepared: the

corporal, purificator, missal, chalice, altar candle, altar cross, and ciborium are

placed on it.


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This is also the time to receive money or other gifts for the church or the poor

brought by the faithful or collected at the Mass. These are to be put in a suitable

place but not on the altar. The priest then washes his hands as an expression of

his desire to be cleansed within over the gifts, which are a preparation for the

Eucharistic Prayer.

4. Eucharistic Prayer

Now the center and summit of the entire celebration begins: the Eucharistic

prayer, a prayer of thanksgiving and sanctification. As the priest consecrates the

bread and wine, they become the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The

priest invites the people for the acclamation of our Faith and then to lift up their

hearts to the Lord in prayer and thanks.

5. Communion Rite

It is right that the faithful who are properly disposed receive the Lords body and

blood as spiritual food as He commanded. This is the purpose of the breaking of

bread and the other preparatory rites that lead directly to the communion of the

people:

a. The Lords Prayer:Recited or usually sang by all including the priest, this

is a petition both for daily food, which for Christians means also the

Eucharistic bread, and for the forgiveness of sins.

b. Sign of Peace:Before they share in the same bread, the faithful implore

peace and unity for the Church and for the whole human family and offer

some sign of their love for one another.

c. Breaking of the Bread:In Apostolic times this gesture of Christ at the last

supper gave the entire Eucharistic action its name.

d. Personal Preparation of Priest:Priest prepares himself by the prayer, said

softly, that he may receive Christs body and blood to good effect. The

faithful do the same by silent prayer. The priest then shows the Eucharistic

bread for communion.

e. Holy Communion:Communion of the faithful or the actual reception of

the Holy Sacrament of the Eucharist. Those who received are expected to


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remain in silence and meditate the value of receiving Christ in this

Sacrament. It is the Church doctrine that the Holy Communion is morally

necessary for our salvation.

f. Prayer after Communion:After the silence or song following Communion

or after the purification of the vessels, the priest then invites the faithful to

pray, which closes the Communion rite.

6. Concluding Rite

a. Announcements:This brings to attention certain announcements from theparish.

b. Final Blessing: For the last time the priest and the people exchange

greetings and then he blesses them.

c. Dismissal:The Mass ends with the solemn blessing of the congregation.

Rituals in a Mass

Rituals (actions) in Eucharistic Celebration are:

1. Bowing of the Head

2.

Incensing3. Washing of Hands

4. Preparation of host and wine

(offertory gifts)

5. Offertory prayer (with hands

crossed)

6. Kissing the altar

7. Exchange of peace

8.

Consecration words9. Ringing bell

10.Epiclesis

11.Elevation of the Bread

12.Breaking of the Bread

13.Receiving Communion

14.Final Blessing

1.

Bowing of HeadWhen the resurrection hymn (Lord of all we praise you) is sung the faithful bows their head

along with the celebrant. It is the expression of our profound respect and submission to Lord

God almighty.


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2.Incensing

Two purposes:

1.

Sanctifying us (the celebrant, the people, the altar and the objects) with the

blessed incense, the divine fragrance, the symbol of divine presence. It is the sign

of forgiveness of sins and total surrender to God.

2. Just as the smoke of incense goes up to heaven, our praises and worship are

raised to heaven. It is an exhortation that our hearts, mind and thoughts should

raise up to heaven along with the incensing.

3.Washing of Hands

The celebrant washes his hands with a prayer before the offertory. This signifies that God in

his abundant mercy cleanses the celebrant and the community and make purify their hearts.

It reminds us also the washing of feet by Jesus during the last supper.

4.Preparation of host and wine (offertory gifts)

Host represents the body of Christ and wine represents the blood of Christ. Adding water

into wine is the symbol of the blood and water that was poured out of the side of Jesus, when

he was pierced with a lance on the Cross.

5.Offertory prayer with hands crossed

The celebrant takes chalice with wine in right hand and paten with host in the left and raises

with hands in the form of cross. This symbolizes the death of Jesus on the cross. It reminds

us of the self-sacrifice of Jesus on the cross in Calvary.

6.Kissing the altar

After the offertory, approaching the altar the celebrant bows three times and then kisses the

altar in the middle and on both sides. This is to show respect and veneration to the most

Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

7.Exchange of peace

The celebrant offers peace of Christ to the faithful raising his hands and with the sign of

cross. And the faithful receives this offer of peace with bowed head. Following this the

faithful offer one another the peace of Christ that was received through the celebrant.


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8.Consecration Words

This is one of the most important parts of the Holy Eucharist. It is the commemoration of

what Jesus did during the last supper as he was instituting Holy Eucharist for us. As we join

in the Consecration, we experience the same incident as Jesus and his disciples experienced

during last supper. Holy Eucharist is the reenactment of that first sacrifice of Jesus as he had

commanded us to do in his memory.

9.Ringing of Bell

Bell is to bring to the mind of the people the importance of the rituals in the Eucharist. It

evokes in our minds a spirit of devotion and worship.

10. Epiclesis (Prayer of inviting the Holy Spirit)

This is another most important part of the Holy Eucharist. The celebrant prays to the

Almighty Father to send his Holy Spirit on the gifts and sanctify them, by which the bread

and wine on the altar becomes the body and blood of our Lord Jesus.

11. Elevation of the Bread

The holy bread that has become the living body and blood of Christ through Consecration

words and sanctification by the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis) is raised to signify the resurrection

and apparitions of Jesus. When Jesus was appeared to his disciples after resurrection, the

disciples worshipped him saying My God and My Lord. In the same way, the faithful

worship the risen Lord at this time.

12. Breaking of the Bread

After the elevation of the holy bread, the celebrant breaks the bread into two and blesses the

wine with one half of the bread. Then he blesses the part of the bread with the other half that

was dipped in wine. Then hold the host together and prays for various intentions. This

reminds the body of Christ broken by death and rejoined in resurrection.

13.

Receiving CommunionThis is the ritual of receiving the blessed and sanctified body and blood of Christ just as

Jesus gave bread and wine to his disciples during last supper as his body and blood. As we

receive Holy Communion from the minister, we receive it from the hands of Jesus himself.


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14. Final Blessing

Eucharist concludes with a blessing just as Jesus blessed his disciples before he ascended

into heaven after having entrusted his mission to the disciples. Having received the body and

blood of Jesus and his blessing, we go to continue the mission and sacrifice of Jesus in our

lives.

Workshops

1. WorkshopDISCUSSION

Workshop Statement

The Lords Supper was instituted

by Jesus when he told his

disciples to eat bread and drink

wine while also using the wordshe spoke.

Question #1 It would be better to have one big wafer and havethe pastor break off pieces to give to the people

going to communion rather than having individual

wafers to pass out as we do now.

Question #2 What would be wrong with insisting that Christians

use only the chalice (common cup) or only little,

individual cups to receive the wine? Whats good

about the chalice? Whats good about individual

cups?

Question #3 Which is better: that the pastor faces the altar as

he speaks Jesus words of institution or that he

faces the people? Why do you think that choice is

better?

Question #4 What do we receive with our mouths when we

participate in the Lords Supper?

o Bread and Wine

o Jesus Body and Blood(Life)

o

Bread and Wine together with Jesus Body

and Blood


Workshop Statement

We receive the true body and

blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,

together with the bread and

wine, in a miraculous Holy

Communion.

Question #1 How could the disciples have received Jesus body

as they ate the first Lords Supper?

Question #2 Wasnt Jesus body and blood right in front of

them, sitting at the table, not in their mouths?


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Workshop Statement

Question #3 When we receive the Lords Supper, we receive

Christs body and blood with our hearts.

Question #4 What if somebody asked you this question: When

you receive the Lords Supper, are you chewing and

swallowing into your stomach Christs body and

blood? How would you answer?

3. WorkshopDiscussion

Workshop Statement

How do we know that Jesus body

and blood are really present in

this sacrament?

READING #1 1 Corinthians 11:23-28

For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to

you:

The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took

bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and

said, This is my body, which is for you; do this in

remembrance of me. In the same way, after supper he

took the cup, saying, This cup is the new covenant in

my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in

remembrance of me.

For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you

proclaim the Lords death until he comes.

Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup ofthe Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning

against the body and blood of the Lord.

A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the

bread and drinks of the cup.

READING #2 Matthew 26:26-29

While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks

and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, Take

and eat; this is my body.

Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to

them, saying, Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood

of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the

forgiveness of sins.

I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from

now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in

my Fathers kingdom.


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Workshop Statement

We know that Jesus body and

blood are really in this sacrament

because Jesus clearly states it andnothing is impossible for him to

do.

Question #1 When are Jesus body and blood present with the

bread and wine?

Question #2 Is it as soon as the pastor speaks Jesuswords over

the bread and wine?

Question #3 Is it when we take the bread and wine into our

mouths?

Question #4 Why would it be wrong to attend the Lords Supper

in a congregation that does not confess that Jesus

body and blood are present together with the

bread and wine in the Sacrament?

Question #5 Should the pastor eat and drink all the bread and

wine left over after the rest of the congregation has

received the Lords Supper? Why or why not?

Project Activity

Survey Phone the pastors of other local churches and ask them what they think peoplereceive in the Lords Supper:

just bread and wine

bread and wine together with Jesus body and blood

just Jesus body and blood

Track the results on a chart and Discuss.


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Glossary

Agnus Dei

(Latin = Lamb of God) in Exodus 12 the lamb of God is the sacrifice by which the people of Israel were

freed from slavery in Egypt; John the Baptist applied this image to Jesus (Jn 1:29, Behold, the Lamb of

God). Through Jesus, who is led likea lamb to slaughter, we are freed from our sins and find peacewith God. In the Eucharistic liturgy, the invocation of Christ, Lamb of God, begins a litany - like prayer

that has been part of every Holy Mass in the Roman Rite since the seventh century.

Alleluia

(Let us praise the Lord!; composed of the Hebrew halal = praise ye!, glorify!, and the divine name

YHWH): This exclamation, which occurs twenty-four times in the Psalms, is used in the Mass as an

acclamation greeting the Word of the Lord in the Gospel.

Breaking Bread

(Body of Christ) A symbol of love and friendship. To break bread with someone was to show that you

loved them like a member of your own family.

Communion

Two or more things connected with one another.

Consecration

(from Latin consecratio= hallowing, sanctification) A consecration is a solemn act of making something

holy. Thus during Holy Mass at the consecration, bread and wine are consecrated and thereby

transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ. Bishops, priests, and deacons are consecrated too, as are

certain things for the service of God, such as church buildings and altars.

Doxology

(Greek doxa = glory) A doxology is the solemn, formulaic, laudatory conclusion of a prayer, forinstance, the conclusion of the Eucharistic Prayer, which reads: Through him, and with him, and in

him, to you, O God, almighty Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, is all honor and glory, for ever and

ever. Often doxologies are addressed to the Holy Trinity, for instance, Glory be to the Father, and to the

Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end, the

formula that usually concludes a Christian prayer.

Eucharist

The Eucharist /jukrst/, also called Holy Communion, the Lord's Supper, and other names, is a

Christian sacrament. According to some New Testament books, it was instituted by Jesus Christ during

his Last Supper.

Eucharistia(Greek word) meaning giving thanks, Thanksgiving or communion give us opportunity to continue

the memory of Christ passion and unite ourselves to him.

Gloria

(Latin = honor) The joyful song of the angels heard by the shepherds (Lk 2:14) on Christmas night serves

as the introduction to an ancient Christian hymn that has existed in this form since the ninth century, in

which the praise of God is sung with solemnity.


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Homily

(from Greek homilein = to exhort someone, speak to him as a peer, converse with him): Homily is

another word for sermon. Within the Eucharistic liturgy, the preacher has the task of proclaiming the

Good News (Greek evangelion) and helping the faithful and encouraging them to recognize and accept

the practical consequences of the Word of God that they have just heard. During Holy Mass the homily

is reserved to the priest or deacon; in other settings, Christian laity may also preach.

Homily

Homily follows the Gospel reading as an integral part of the liturgy and is strongly recommended. Herethe priest explains the readings and shares his insights.

Kyrie Eleison(Greek = Lord, have mercy)

The Kyrie eleison, an ancient cry of homage to gods and rulers, was applied very early to Christ; around

the year 500 it was carried over from the Greek liturgy, without translating it, into the Roman and

Western liturgy.

Mass

(Latin word) Missa meaning Sending forth of the Faithful or for dismissal. The purpose of the

Eucharist is to dismiss us, to send us out to be Christ for the world. The Mass is the Eucharist, or the

principal sacramental celebration of the Church, established by Jesus at the Last Supper. During Mass

the mystery of our salvation through participation in the sacrificial death and glorious resurrection of

Christ is renewed and accomplished, and Jesus becomes truly present in the consecrated bread and

wine. [Glossary, 1345-55].

Monstrance

(Latin monstrare= to show): a sacred object used to display Christ in the form of consecrated bread on

special occasions for adoration by the faithful.

New Covenant

Jesus making a new covenant, God will love us as a parent loves a child and we will love and serve God

as sons and daughters. Covenant is a bonding agreement between two parties. This covenant may be

between two equals person or a superior (Higher in Social Position) or inferior (Lower Social Position).

Prayer of the Faithful

(Intercessions) Here, the people intercede for all humanity. It is appropriate that this prayer be included

in all Masses so that petition will be offered for the Church, for civil authorities, for those oppressed by

different needs and for all people.

Profession of Faith

(The Creed) The people recite the I Believe which serves as a way for the people to affirm their faith in

the Word of God heard in the readings and through the homily and for them to call to mind the truths of

their faith before they begin to celebrate the Eucharist.

Real PresenceJesus body and blood are really present along with the bread and wine (Lutheran).

Representation

The bread and wine only symbolizes Jesus body and blood (Reformed / Baptist).

Sanctus

(Latin = holy): The Sanctus is one of the most ancient parts of the Mass. It originated in the eighth

century b.c. (!) and can never be omitted. The song is composed of the cry of the angels in Isaiah 6:3 and

a greeting in Psalm 118:26 that is applied to the presence of Christ.


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Tabernacle

(Latin tabernaculum= hut, tent): In a way reminiscent of the Old Testament Ark of the Covenant, the

tabernacle developed in the Catholic Church as a prominent, richly ornamented place for preserving the

Most Blessed Sacrament (Christ in the form of bread).

The Cup of Wine (Blood of Christ)

To the Jews means it life. It had much the same sense that the word heart has to us today. Bloodwhich will be shed (given) for you, Serious agreement were sealed in blood. Jesus offers his blood to seal

the new contract between God and us.

Transubstantiation

(from Latin trans= through, and substantia= essence, substance): the theological term used to explain

theologically how Jesus can be present under the appearance of the gifts of bread and wine in the

Eucharist. Whereas the substances (meaning the essences) of bread and wine are changed by the

working of the Holy Spirit at the words of consecration into the Body and Blood of Christ, their outward

species or forms remain the same. Jesus Christ is really but invisibly present in what looks like bread

and wine as long as the appearances of bread and wine are preserved.


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Quiz

How important is the Eucharist for the church? (See question 211 of YOUCAT) (1 points):

The Eucharist is the core of Christian community. It defines the church as church.

The Eucharist is overrated.

Rather important, but conclave, ordination to priesthood, matrimony and First Communion are

more important.

The Eucharist is important for the unity of a community, but may be replaced by a rosary

meditation or a festive breakfast (instead of Supper).

When did Christ introduce the Eucharist? (See question 209 of YOUCAT) (1 points)

During Feeding of the 5000.

At the Last Supper.

When curing Peter's mother-in-law.

During the Wedding at Cana.

Who can celebrate the Eucharist? (See question 215 of YOUCAT) (1 points)

The community as God's people celebrates the Eucharist on their own.

Only clerics (deacons, priests, bishops) may celebrate the Eucharist.

On behalf of the community, community consulters, pastoral consulters or priests who have

been assigned by the bishop.

During each Eucharist Christ is the celebrant. The bishop or priest represents him.

What do we celebrate on Sundays? (See YOUCAT question 186) (1 points)

Each Sunday is the Feast Day of Saint Scholastica. We celebrate that we dont have to go to

school.

We celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Each Sunday therefore is a small Easter.

Each Sunday reminds us of the wedding at Cana when Jesus turned water into wine.

On Sundays we celebrate Saint Valentine, patron of long sleep.

Why do we remember the Last Supper so vividly? (See question 99 of YOUCAT) (1 points)

Jesus and his disciples prayed, ate, and conversed

Jesus turned the water into wine

Jesus washed feet and founded the Eucharist

Jesus threw a wild party

Christ instituted the Holy Eucharist on the evening before his death, during Passover, on the night he was

betrayed, when he gathered the Apostles around him in the Upper Room in Jerusalem.

False

True

A consecration is a solemn act of making something holy. Thus, during Holy Mass at the consecration, bread

and wine are consecrated and thereby transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

False


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True

The celebration of the Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (Second Vatican Council,

Lumen Gentium)

False

True

The Holy Eucharist is an anticipation of eternal life.

False

True

Eucharist was at first the name for the prayer of thanksgiving that preceded the transformation of the bread

and wine into Christ's Body and Blood in the liturgy of the early Church. Later the term was applied to the

whole celebration of the Mass.

False

True

If there are consecrated hosts left over after the celebration of the Holy Eucharist they to be kept in sacred

vessels inside the tabernacle.

False

True

May the Eucharist be ministered to non-Catholic Christians?

No

Yes

"Do this in remembrance of me"

Acts 8:14-16

1 Cor 2:36

Jas 4:8

1 Cor 11:24

Sanctus is a Greek word meaning "holy".

False

True

Your life must be woven around the Eucharist. Direct your eyes to him, who is Light; bring your hearts very

close to His Divine Heart; ask Him for the grace to know Him, for the charity to love Him, for the courage to

serve Him. Seek him longingly.

Bl. Teresa of Calcutta

Pope Benedict XVI

St Augustine St John Vianney

The celebration of the Eucharist is the heart of Christian communion. In it the Church becomes Church.

False

True

Documents

The Sacrament of Eucharist (Religion Course Unit Content)