What is the Eucharist?

The heart of Catholic worship

The word Eucharist comes from the Greek eucharistia, "thanksgiving." It names both the celebration Catholics call the Mass and the sacred gift received there: the body and blood of Christ.

At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and said, "This is my body," and took the cup and said, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood" (Luke 22:19-20). He then told the apostles, "Do this in memory of me." The Church has done exactly that every day for two thousand years.

What Catholics believe happens

Catholics believe that at the consecration, the priest acting in the person of Christ speaks Christ's own words, and the bread and wine become Christ's body and blood. What still looks, tastes and feels like bread and wine is no longer bread and wine. The Church calls this change transubstantiation (CCC 1376).

This is not a symbol or a reminder only. The Catechism teaches that Christ is present "truly, really, and substantially" (CCC 1374). For that reason Catholics genuflect before the tabernacle, receive Communion reverently, and spend time in Eucharistic adoration.

Why it matters so much

• It is Christ himself. Every other sacrament gives grace; the Eucharist gives the author of grace.
• It makes present the one sacrifice of the cross. The Mass does not repeat Calvary; it makes that single offering present so we can join it (CCC 1366).
• It builds the Church. Saint Paul says that because there is one bread, "we, though many, are one body" (1 Corinthians 10:17).
• It is food for the journey. Jesus says, "whoever eats this bread will live forever" (John 6:51).

Who may receive

Catholics who are in a state of grace — not conscious of unconfessed mortal sin — and who have fasted for one hour may receive Holy Communion. Saint Paul warns against receiving "unworthily" (1 Corinthians 11:27), which is why confession and Communion belong together in Catholic life.