Sacrament
The Holy Eucharist
Sacrament of Christian Initiation
The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. In the Eucharist Christ is truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine.
What the Church teaches
The Eucharist is 'the source and summit of the Christian life.' The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it. For in the blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch. In the Eucharist Christ is truly, really, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine.
Institution
Christ instituted the Eucharist on the night before he died, at the Last Supper, when he gave his apostles the command: 'Do this in remembrance of me' (Luke 22:19, 1 Corinthians 11:24-25).
Matter and form
- Form
The words of institution: 'This is my Body... This is the chalice of my Blood...'
- Matter
Wheat bread and natural grape wine.
Minister
Only validly ordained priests can preside at the Eucharist and consecrate the bread and wine to become the Body and Blood of the Lord.
Recipient
Every baptized Catholic in the state of grace.
Effects
Real, true, and substantial presence of Christ
Increase in sanctifying grace
Union with Christ and his Body the Church
Forgiveness of venial sins; preservation from future mortal sins
Pledge of future glory
Preparation
See the parish RCIA / OCIA office or your pastor for catechetical preparation.
Catechism references
- CCC 1322-1419