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Eucharist (Communion)
Eucharist is sometimes commonly referred to as communion. It is a symbolic act performed by Christian religions. It involves taking in a small piece of consecrated bread to represent Christ's body, and a drink to represent Christ's blood. Traditionally, the drink was wine, but some Christian religions have adapted this to grape juice or water, depending on their beliefs.
780 Questions
What happens at the First Communion?
from Modern Catholic Dictionary by John A. Hardon, S.J. Doubleday & Co., Inc. Garden City, NY 1980
First Communion. The precept of the Church that requires child to receive Holy Communion, along with the sacrament of penance, on reaching the age of reason. First issued by the Fourth Lateran Council (1215), the practice was all but discontinued for centuries, due to the inroads of Jansenism. Pope St. Pius X restored the practice and restated the precept, while he also explains how necessarily related are the two sacraments of penance and the Eucharist. "The age of discretion," he said, "both for confession and for Holy Communion is the time when a child begins to reason." This means that "a full and perfect knowledge of Christian doctrine is not necessary either for first confession or first Communion." Moreover, "the obligation of the precept of confession and Communion which binds the child particularly affects those who have charge of him, namely, parents, confessor, teachers, and the pastor" (Quam Singulari, August 8, 1910).
Holy Communion. The Eucharist is the sacrament that preserves the soul's union with God and fosters that union by making a person more holy especially in the practice of the supernatural virtue of charity. As a sacrament of the living, to obtain the graces intended, a person must be in that state of God's friendship when receiving, otherwise the reception becomes a sacrilege (I Corinthians 11:27-29).
The Union of the communicant with Christ in the Eucharist is effective in the moral order. Though physically present in the communicant, Christ is not physically united with him. Only the consecrated species, since they alone can come in contact with material things, are physically united with the communicant.
Communion aims specifically at producing a likeness to Christ in the communicants. Their acts of mind and will, as a result of Communion, are to become more conformable to the acts of Christ's mind and will. Their body, too, is to become more like Christ's sacred body.
This is the primary purpose of the sacrament, a special union of the soul with Christ. What is special about this union is that the Eucharist is extraordinarily powerful in conferring actual graces that prompt a person to make acts of love for God and one's neighbor. Moreover, these graces inspire one to live for Christ habitually, even under great difficulties, as shown by the readiness to love the unlovable, and to promote loving community in spite of great natural diversity.
The secondary purpose of Communion is to assimilate the body of the communicant to the body of Christ in two ways: it curbs or mitigates all disordered passions, especially those against chastity, and it confers a new title to the final resurrection of the body in heavenly glory.
A final effect of Communion is to remove the personal guilt of venial sins, and the temporal punishment due to forgiven sins, whether venial or mortal.
Should all Christians celebrate Eucharist in the same way?
I do not agree with "All Christians should celebrate Eucharist in the same way". This is because I personally think that it just depends on the way you want to respect Jesus. Some groups could be more respectful or feel more strongly about Eucharist. So, it is down to the way Christians personally want to celebrate it. Some may feel strongly about doing certain parts of a celebration (such as blessing bread and wine).
Which arm boys wear armbands on First Communion?
In the Catholic Answers forum thread on dress for first Holy Communion, there were a number of things listed, and this was mentioned as one:
The traditional practice of wearing a white arm band bow on the left arm has been restored and is required for each boy.
What age can you get Eucharist?
The sacrament of Eucharist is normally given to children for the very first time at the age of 8 - 10 years. People who are not baptised in the Roman Catholic church can only receive the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist after their Baptism.
Why do Christians celebrate eucharist today?
Jesus' actions at the Last Supper became the basis for our celebration of the Eucharist. From the very beginning of the Church, the Eucharist formed the center of its life of worship. This is clearly indicated by the Acts of the Apostles. In the second chapter we hear that the 3,000 people baptized by the apostles on Pentecost devoted themselves to "the breaking of the bread," a Lucan term for the Eucharist. To this day, each time we gather for Eucharist, we remember and make present the Lord as Christians have done since Jesus first said, "Do this in remembrance of me." http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/SFS/an0697.asp
What does communion mean to someone?
The typical communion for a Christian is a service where they take a cup of wine and cracker to remember the death and resurection of Jesus Christ. This was initiated by Jesus when he held a Passover service, which the Church call "the Last Supper". Jesus said "do this in remembrance of me". He said the cup of wine represented the blood he shed for each Christian and the bread represnted his body. In doing this, the Christian is sacrificing themselves to Jesus. "Take and eat, this is my body." And Jesus then said "I am the bread of life."
What does the Eucharist symbolise?
If you are Catholic the Eucharist is not a symbol it does not symbolise. It is the true Body and Blood of Christ. But if you are not Catholic it only symbolizes the Body and Blood of Christ but is not the true Body and Blood of Christ. The Church refers to this as Transubstantiation (the substance changes from bread to the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of the Risen Christ) and it can only happen at the words of a validly ordained Priest of the Catholic Church with faculties.
How do Catholics perform communion?
Catholic celebrate the eucharist when the body and blood of Christ became consecrated.The priest administered it through reading the memorial.Catholics should receive Christ through the Eucharist.
Why do you need to attend the Holy Eucharist?
When one takes or recieves communioin, one shares in the body and blood of Christ, thus recommitting oneself to Christ. Only those who belong to Christ through the sacrament of baptism are legible for this act. This is because beforer one is baptized, one does not belong to the body of Christ the Church and thus is not in communion with the Church. If one is not in communion with the Church one is not in communion with Christ as the Church is one, consecrated to Christ and is the body of Christ. being in communion means being a member of the Church, sharing in the unity of the body of Christ comprised of the living and the faithful departed. It is not because of any worthiness that one recieves communion because no one is worthy so to do, but it is by God's grace that we are purified and healed of our iniquities and thus able to share in the Sacred Mysteries of the Body and Blood of Christ. By recieving communion one explicitly communicates one's acceptance of Christ as Lord and King of all creation. not only that, but one also outwardly communicates one's identity, 'I belong to Christ, and to his Holy Church and so I share in His Body in the Eucharist together with my brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ the Church.
How long should you abstain before holy communion?
Catholics are supposed to fast on Ash Wednesday (i.e. the first day of lent) and Good Friday (the day when Jesus Christ died on the Cross)
Normally people skip their breakfast and lunch. This rule is application for people between the age 18 - 60 years.
How does the Eucharist relate to other sacraments?
from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, second edition, English translation 1994
1113 The whole liturgical life of the Church revolves around the Eucharistic sacrifice and the sacraments. (Cf. Sacrosanctum concilium 6) There are seven sacraments in the Church: Baptism, Confirmation or Chrismation, Eucharist, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. (Cf. Council of Lyons II (1274) Denzinger-Schonmetzer, Enchiridion Symbolorum, definitionum et declarationum de rebus fidei et morum (1965) ...
1212 The sacraments of Christian initiation - Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist - lay the foundations of every Christian life. "The sharing in the divine nature given to men through the grace of Christ bears a certain likeness to the origin, development, and nourishing of natural life. The faithful are born anew by Baptism, strengthened by the sacrament of Confirmation and receive in the Eucharist the food of eternal life. By means of these sacraments of Christian initiation, they thus receive in increasing measure the treasures of the divine life and advance toward the perfection of charity." (Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Divinae consortium naturae: AAS 63 (1971) 657; cf. RCIA Introduction 1-2.
1213 This sacrament is called Baptism, after the central rite by which it is carried out: to baptize (Greek baptizein means to "plunge" or "immerse"; the "plunge" into the water symbolizes the catechumen's burial into Christ's death, from which he rises up by resurrection with him, as "a new creature." (2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15; cf Rom6:3-4, Col 2:12)
1269 Having become a member of the Church, the person baptized belongs no longer to himself, but to him who died and rose for us. (Cf. 1 Cor 6:19; 2 Cor 5:15.) From now on, he is called to be subject to others, to serve them in the communion of the Church, and to "obey and submit" to the Church's leaders, (Heb 13:17.) Holding them in respect and affection. (Cf. Eph 5:21; 1 Cor 16:15-16; 1 Thess 5:12-13; Jn 13:12-15.) Just as Baptism is the source of responsibilities and duties, the baptized person also enjoys rights within the Church: to receive the sacraments, to be nourished with the Word of God and to be sustained by the other spiritual helps of the Church. (Cf. Lumen Gentium 37; Codex Iuris Canonici, cann. 208-223; Corpus Canonum Ecclesiarum Orientalium, can. 675:2.)
What happens in communion services?
During Communion, the story of Jesus Christ at the Passover dinner the night before his capture and hanging from the cross is read, and we take the bread, which represents his body, broken for us, and break it, then dip it in the wine (or grape juice), his blood shed for us, and then we eat the bread and pause for a moment of prayer.
The Eucharist plate or Communion plate is a metal plate that altar servers place under the Communion host while a person is receiving Communion In the Catholic Church, the purpose of the plate is to catch the Communion host if it falls.
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Different Catholics are going to have different things that they like the most about the Eucharist.
Perhaps a consensus would emerge around the fact that, in receiving the Eucharist, our Lord and Savior comes to abide within us, to live and dwell within us. That is certainly one of the most amazing things about the Eucharist.
What is also amazing is that it is only in transubstantiation (in the transformation from "bread and wine" to "Body and Blood") that the substance changes whereas the accidents remain the same. This is a miracle that defies the laws of nature. How many people do you know that can say they have an opportunity to witness a miracle every day? (wherever Mass is being celebrated)
How many times can you receive holy communion and penance?
Some, like the Sacrament of the Eucharist, can be received quite often, even more than once a week. Obviously, Reconciliation can be received as often as necessary as well. Baptism and Confirmation are only received once, as is Holy Matrimony. The Catholic church does not accept divorces, the only way to be separated from your spouse is to get an annulment. Holy Orders can (I believe) occur for being a deacon, a priest, and a bishop. The Anointing of the Sick can also be received as often as you need it. (Hopefully not very!)
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Catholic AnswerThree sacraments make an ontological change in the one receiving them, and may not be repeated: baptism, confirmation, and Holy Orders. All the other sacraments may be repeated as necessary.Do Baptists get holy communion?
It is known by other names, depending upon the church.
In the Latter-day Saint Church (LDS), it is generally called, "The Sacrament".
Frequency of communion service in the Methodist?
The United Methodist Church recommends Communion be served frequently. A recent resolution recommends weekly celebration of Communion. In practice, while more churches are moving to weekly communion, most churches celebrate Communion once a month.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, recommended receiving The Lord's Supper as often as one could. Another answer It depends on the Methodist Church and the member. Some churches still have communion infrequently (monthly or less) and some members still only receive communion on special occasions (such as Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and so on). However, as stated above, many Methodist Churches are increasing the frequency of receiving communion, or 'The Lord's Supper'. This will bring them more into line with the Anglican Church (where communion is usually weekly) as a result of the Anglican/Methodist Covenant that makes the promise that the two denominations should work more closely together in the future, possibly resulting, one day, in a united Church.
Where is the Catholic Eucharist kept?
It is kept in a tabernacle.
Roman Catholic AnswerPlease do not refer to the Sacred Species, Our Blessed Lord's Body and Blood under the appearance of Bread as "bread", although Consecrated Bread is borderline. Remember, the ENTIRE substance of the bread is gone, and replaced with the entire substance of Our Blessed Lord's Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity. Everything that was standing there talking to Peter, Everything that hung upon the Cross and died there for us, Everything that Rose from the dead is contained in the Sacred Species. That is really Jesus Christ right there, every bit as much as he was back there with His Most Holy Mother and His Apostles. His Glory is veiled under the appearance of Bread so that we are not zapped out of our sinful minds.How long do you fast before you may receive Holy Communion?
You are supposed to fast for one hour prior to communion. Most Catholics are unaware of that requirement, so it is not often practiced. Also, since Communion is late in the mass, as long as you weren't eating or chewing gum in church, you probably accomplish that just by being there.
Roman Catholic AnswerBy not eating or drinking (save water) for one hour prior to Holy Communion. This is much mitigated. Before it used to be three hours, and before that it was a total fast (even water) from midnight until one received Holy Communion. There is an exception for the sick being giving Holy Communion outside of Mass, in this case, the fast is only fifteen minutes. The fast is to show respect for receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. You should not receive during that Mass if you haven't fasted for at least one hour, but make a spiritual Communion.As a sacrifice and to maintain the sacredness of the sacrament, fasting means no food or drink one hour before receiving communion. Water is OK.
It used to be fast after midnight on the Sunday you receive communion, but that was changed over 40 years ago to the current practice
Wikipedia: Eucharist ---> Etymology
The Greek noun eukharistia (εá½Ï‡Î±Ïιστία) derives from eu- "well" + kharis "favor, grace". Eukharisteo (εá½Ï‡Î±Ïιστῶ) is the usual verb for "to thank" in the Septuagint and New Testament.
These are the ones I could think of. Not all of them celebrate communion each week but they all take the Eucharist:
Anglicans,
Episcopalians,
Lutherans,
Roman Catholics,
Eastern Orthodox,
United Methodists,
Baptists,
Latter Day Saints (Mormons),
Seventh-Day Adventists,
Reformed/Presbyterians
How often do the people celebrate the Eucharist?
It varies from person to person. Some celebrate it multiple times a day, others celebrate it once a day, and still others celebrate it just once a week. But if you are looking for the answer to how often the Eucharist is celebrated worldwide, then the answer would be: The Eucharist is celebrated every moment of every day.
Who are People Involved in the Eucharist?
The people involved in the eucharist are the congregation which are the people who come to church to celebrate it. The preist who blesses the bread and wine and leads in the hymns, bible readings and sermons. A minister called the ministry of the word who is said to send the word to god.
What is the difference between Catholic Holy Communion and Lutheran Holy Communion?
Catholics believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which means that during communion, the bread and wine literally become the body and blood of Christ. Lutherans believe in consubstantiation, which means that Christ in present with, in, and under the elements. They remain bread and wine, but Christ is in them.
Like the Eastern Orthodox, Lutherans have refused to describe the "HOW" of Christ's Real Presence in Holy Communion. Consubstantiation, as a term, is never used by Lutherans but by detractors. Lutherans clearly state that the "Body and Blood of Jesus Christ are truly present in the Bread and Wine of Holy Communion, and they are received orally. The "HOW" of this presence remains a Mystery. To eat the bread and wine is to eat the True Body and True Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is substantially present, distributed and received by all who partake of the Holy Meal."
