The Holy Eucharist completes Christian initiation. 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 whole community in the Lord’s own sacrifice by means of the Eucharist. (CCC 1322)

The Word Eucharist means Thanksgiving. When we celebrate the Eucharist at Mass each week we are celebrating both Christ’s sacrifice on the cross for us and a sacred meal prepared for us. It is a sacred banquet renewing the new covenant of grace. 

Jesus gives himself to us as spiritual nourishment through Holy Eucharist because of His love for each of us. By Eating the body and drinking the blood of Christ we become united to the person of Christ through His humanity. “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him” (John 6:56). As Roman Catholics we believe the transformed bread and wine are truly the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, and not symbols. Through Jesus’ words, “This is My Body” and “This is My Blood” the bread and wine are transubstantiated. The bread and wine remain the same in appearance, but at the consecration at Mass we believe Jesus is truly present with us body, blood, soul and divinity.

For more information on preparing to celebrate this Sacrament please contact the Religious education office. 419-337-2322 #4