The Eucharist

1
The Eucharist

• The source and summit of our faith

2
Importance of the Eucharist

• We recall what God has revealed to us through
  history (Liturgy of the Word)
• We remember and make present the passion, death,
  and resurrection of Jesus (the Paschal mystery)
• We receive the Body and Blood of Christ.
• We are united across time and space with the
  communion of saints.

3
History of the Eucharist

• Roots found in the account of the Exodus.
• The Passover and the sacrificial (paschal) lamb.
• Jesus shared meals with his followers.
• He multiplied the loaves and fishes.
• He called Himself the bread of life and
  promises eternal life to those who eat my flesh
  and drink my blood.

4
Institution of the Eucharist

• At the last supper, the Passover meal, Jesus
  blessed the bread and wine, changing it into His
  Body and Blood.
• Jesus is the new Paschal lamb.

5
Meaning of the Eucharist

• Thanksgiving and praise
• Eucharist comes from a Greek word meaning
  Thanksgiving.
• Memorial of Christs passover sacrifice we
  actually participate in the event
• The Eucharist is reparation for sin.
• Presence of Christ in the assembly, in the
  Scripture, in the presider, and in the
  consecrated bread and wine (His body and blood)

6
Terms

• Consecration the part of the Mass in which the
  priest prays over the bread and wine, repeating
  Jesus
  
  
  prayers from the Last Supper.
• Transubstantiation the changing of the bread
  and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ
  through the power of the Holy Spirit.

7
Vestments

• Alb long white robe that the celebrant wears
  over his regular clothes symbolizes baptism
• Cincture rope like belt
• Stole long scarf-like vestment worn by priests
  and deacons around their necks as a sign of their
  ordained ministry
• Chasuble colorful outer garment worn over the
  alb. The color reflects the liturgical season or
  feast.

8
Sacred Vessels

• Chalice golden cup that holds the Blood of
  Christ
• Ciborium (from Latin word for bread) --holds the
  consecrated hosts (sometimes a bread plate is
  used)
• Pyx vessel used to carry the Eucharist to the
  sick
• Monstrance vessel used to display the
  consecrated host during Adoration.

9
Ways to serve at liturgy

• Greeters
• Lectors
• Cantors and music ministers
• Gift bearers
• Extraordinary ministers of the Eucharist
• Altar servers/acolytes