The Holy Eucharist
Felicity, Helena and Billie
What is the meaning and the purpose of the Eucharist? How does celebrating the Eucharist connect people to the church?
The Eucharist is a sacrament in the Catholic church.It is the third Sacrament after baptism and reconciliation. It is practised to represent the last supper that Jesus had before being crucified. It connects to us because we are Catholic and our duty is to spread Jesus’ word and by taking the Eucharist we are listening to Jesus and doing whatever he tells us too. Only Catholics can take the bread which makes us true to Jesus and his way of life.
(Matthew 26: 26-29)
(John 6:53–56)
The History of the Sacrament
Why do we have it?
we receive the bread and the wine it is like that we are eating spiritual food and taking a little bit of God into each of us. People also take part in it to be in a community atmosphere, we all gather together.
Where does the name Eucharist come from?
What signs and symbols and rituals are used to explain the Eucharist?
The Holy Eucharist has many symbols and rituals
some symbols and rituals are
■ Bowing of the head is a sign of respect
■ Bread and wine represents the memory of Jesus
■ Incensing is sanctifying us
■ Washing of the hands is a sign that we are cleansed
■ The priest kissing the alter it is a sign of respect to god
■ Exchange of peace the priest offers peace to Christ
■ Consecration words
■ Ringing of the bell is to remind people the importance of Eucharist
Breaking of the bread is in memory of Jesus
The Bread And Wine
When we go to church people eat and drink the bread and wine. This represents in memory of jesus as at the last supper he said "Do this is memory of me". So at church we do this we can it's a representation and memory of jesus.
The Chalice And Paten
Chalice comes from the Latin term calix which means a cup. It is the name given to the cup or bowl used for the wine in the central act of Christian worship which is known as Holy Communion, Eucharist or Mass. Traditionally it is made of material which is valued in its country of origin. The paten and chalice is usually silver or gold.
Positions In Church
Kneeling - The most reverent gesture we do during mass. This shows our respect to God and those around us. Also that we do not find ourselves as equals with God.
Standing - This is used to show an importance without giving it the same reverence as kneeling.
Sitting - In order for standing and kneeling to have significance, we need to have a sort of "base worship". You can't stand up for the Gospel if you weren't sitting to begin with. Also from a practical standpoint, it would be difficult to require standing the whole time.