What Is the Eucharist?

What Is the Eucharist?

The Eucharist is the Sacrament in which Jesus Christ gives Himself to us under the appearances of bread and wine.

Catholics believe that after the consecration at Mass, the bread and wine truly become the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ.

The Eucharist is not merely a symbol. It is Jesus Himself.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven.” — John 6:51

The Eucharist Is a Sacrament

The Eucharist is one of the seven Sacraments instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church.

Through the Eucharist, Christ nourishes His people with His own life.

The Church calls the Eucharist the source and summit of the Christian life because it contains Christ Himself.

Jesus Instituted the Eucharist

Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper on the night before He died.

Taking bread, He said:

“Take ye, and eat. This is my body.” — Matthew 26:26

Taking the chalice, He said:

“This is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins.” — Matthew 26:28

At every Mass, the Church obeys Christ’s command: “Do this for a commemoration of me.”

The Eucharist and the Mass

The Eucharist is at the heart of the Mass.

At Mass, the one sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made present sacramentally.

Catholics do not believe Jesus is sacrificed again. His sacrifice was offered once for all.

In the Mass, that one sacrifice is made present so that we may receive its saving fruits.

The Real Presence

Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist.

This presence is called the Real Presence.

Christ is present whole and entire: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.

This is why Catholics worship and adore the Eucharist.

Why Bread and Wine?

Jesus chose bread and wine as the sacramental signs of the Eucharist.

Bread nourishes the body. Wine gladdens the heart.

In the Eucharist, Christ gives a far greater nourishment: His own life.

What appears to remain bread and wine becomes, by Christ’s word and power, His true Body and Blood.

The Bread of Life

In John 6, Jesus taught that He is the Bread of Life.

He did not speak only of ordinary food. He promised to give His flesh for the life of the world.

“The bread that I will give, is my flesh, for the life of the world.” — John 6:52

Catholics understand this teaching as pointing directly to the Eucharist.

Holy Communion

When Catholics receive Holy Communion, they receive Jesus Christ Himself.

Holy Communion strengthens our union with Christ, increases grace, forgives venial sins, and helps protect us from future sin.

Because the Eucharist is so holy, Catholics are called to receive Communion with faith, reverence, and a properly disposed soul.

The Eucharist Builds the Church

The Eucharist unites believers to Christ and to one another.

Because we receive one Lord, we are called to live as one Body in charity, unity, and holiness.

“For we, being many, are one bread, one body, all that partake of one bread.” — 1 Corinthians 10:17

Common Misunderstandings

The Eucharist Is Not Merely a Symbol

The Eucharist has symbolic meaning, but it is far more than a symbol. It is Christ truly present.

The Mass Does Not Re-Crucify Jesus

Christ died once for all. The Mass makes that one sacrifice present sacramentally.

The Eucharist Is Not Ordinary Bread After Consecration

After consecration, the appearances of bread and wine remain, but the reality is Christ Himself.

Holy Communion Requires Reverence

Because the Eucharist is Jesus Himself, Catholics must approach Communion with faith, repentance, and reverence.

Key Truths About the Eucharist

• The Eucharist was instituted by Jesus Christ.
• The Eucharist is one of the seven Sacraments.
• The Eucharist is Jesus Christ truly present.
• Christ is present Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
• The Mass makes present Christ’s one sacrifice.
• Holy Communion unites us more deeply to Christ.
• The Eucharist builds up the Church.
• The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life.

What Does This Mean For Me?

Jesus does not merely invite you to remember Him.

He gives Himself to you.

In the Eucharist, Christ remains close to His Church and offers His people the gift of His own life.

The Eucharist invites us to deeper faith, greater reverence, and more faithful love.

Explore the Eucharist

Continue Learning

Now that you understand what the Eucharist is, the next question is: What is the Real Presence?

Learn why Catholics believe Jesus is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament.