Communion (the holy Eucharist) may only be received by baptized Catholics who are not aware of any unconfessed actual mortal sins. Reception of this Sacrament is a sign of unity with other Catholics within the teachings and practices of the Catholic Faith. Those who obstinately doubt or deny any of the required beliefs of the Catholic faith are not permitted to receive this Sacrament (cf Canon Law 751, 1364). When consecrated, the bread and wine of the Holy Eucharist becomes literally the body and blood of Jesus Christ, such that all of Christ is present: His human nature and His Divine Nature, united in One Divine Person.

Catholic Teaching on the Eucharist

Eucharist: Derived from the Greek word for “thanksgiving,” this is the sacrament of initiation that makes one a full member of Christ’s body. The Mass and the Lord’s Supper are other names for the sacrament. The Eucharist is the summit of Christian Worship.

Tabernacle: A holy receptacle in which the Blessed Sacrament is reserved.

The Real Presence: The teaching of the Catholic Church that in the Eucharist, “the body and blood, together with the soul
and divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ and, therefore, the whole Christ is truly, really and substantially contained.” (CCC 1374)

Transubstantiation: The Church’s teaching that the bread and wine is changed into the body and blood of Jesus at the
consecration of the Mass.

Holy Hour: A devotion made up of meditation, vocal prayer and singing with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. It
draws its inspiration from Christ’s words to the apostles at Gethsemane: “Can you not watch one hour with me?”

Adoration of the Eucharist: Devotion to and worship of Jesus Christ, present in the Blessed Sacrament, whether in the
tabernacle or exposed.

Monstrance: An exposition case and stand, generally large and ornate, used to display the Eucharist for processions and
devotions. It is sometimes called an ostensorium.

Benediction: A service consisting of prayers and hymns, usually with the Eucharist displayed on the altar.

Corpus Christi: Latin for Body of Christ.