The Sacrament of the Eucharist      

The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life”. The other sacraments 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. (CCC 1324)

The Liturgy of the Word and Liturgy of the Eucharist together form “one single act of worship”; The Eucharistic table set for us is the table both of the Word of God and of the Body of the Lord.(CCC1346)

If from the beginning Christians have celebrated the Eucharist and in a form whose substance has not changed despite the great diversity of times and liturgies, it is because we know ourselves to be bound by the command the Lord gave on the eve of his Passion: “Do this in remembrance of me.”(CCC1356)

We carry out this command of the Lord by celebrating the memorial of his sacrifice. In so doing, we offer to the Father what he has himself given us: the gifts of his creation, bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ, have become the body and blood of Christ. Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present. (CCC1357)

We must therefore consider the Eucharist as: – thanksgiving and praise to the Father;

• the sacrificial memorial of Christ and his Body;
• the presence of Christ by the power of his word and of his Spirit.(CCC1358)

Participation

Any baptized person who is not prohibited by Canon Law can and must be admitted to Holy Communion. A person should have adequate knowledge and careful preparation in order to receive communion.  The faithful are strongly encouraged to receive Holy Communion during the celebration of the Eucharist; they may receive twice in the same day.  All the faithful who have made their first communion are obliged to receive communion at least once a year, preferably at Easter time.

Those who are to receive the Eucharist are to abstain from food and drink, except for water or medicine, for one hour before holy communion.  Those who are advanced in age or suffer from an infirmity may receive even though they have taken something during the preceding hour.
A person who is conscious of grave sins are not to celebrate the Mass or receive the Body of the Lord without first going to sacramental confession.

First Holy Communion (see religious education, grade two)