The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life and the central sacrament of the Catholic Church. In the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Christ Himself—Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity—under the appearances of bread and wine.
The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper, when He took bread and wine, gave thanks, and gave them to His Apostles, commanding them to continue this celebration in His memory. At every Mass, the Church follows Christ’s command and celebrates the Eucharistic sacrifice.
Why We Celebrate the EucharistWe celebrate the Eucharist to:
- Remember and make present Christ’s Passion, Death, and Resurrection
- Receive Jesus Christ in Holy Communion
- Give thanks and praise to God
- Be united more deeply with Christ and with one another
- Receive grace and spiritual nourishment for our Christian lives
- Be strengthened to live and share the Gospel
The Eucharist is not simply a symbol or a reminder of Jesus. Catholics believe that Christ is truly, really, and substantially present in the Eucharist. Through the words of consecration at Mass, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ while retaining the appearances of bread and wine.
Holy Communion unites us more closely to Jesus and strengthens us to love God, serve others, forgive, and live as His disciples.
The Eucharist also reminds us that we are part of one Church and one Body of Christ. As we receive Christ, we are sent forth from Mass to bring His love and presence into our families, parish, workplaces, and community.
