The Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life.
During the Mass, we gather around the Lord’s table and remember Christ’s Passion, sacrifice on the cross, His Resurrection, and His Ascension as Jesus instructed us during the Last Supper.
Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity...
The Eucharist is Christ really present Body and Blood, together with His Soul and Divinity under the appearance of bread and wine. At Christ's words of consecration offered through the priest, the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
Jesus said to them... “Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day" John 6:53-54
Why do we need the Mass...
Catholics have risked their lives for thousands of years to be at Mass. For mere ritual? Nostalgia? Obligation? No. For the most intimate encounter we get with our Maker on this side of eternity, and to tap into the power we need to live the life we were made for…
Understanding the Mass...
1. We begin with the introductory rites of the Mass, how the congregation is called in and prepared to worship. This will include the gathering, penitential rite, gloria, and collect.
2. Having been gathered in and prepared through the Introductory Rites, the Mass continues with the proclamation of the Word and the reception of a great gift.
3. In the third part of this series, we begin a new part of the Mass, the Liturgy of the Eucharist, with the preparation of the gifts.
4. The Liturgy of the Eucharist reaches its height with the Eucharistic prayer and communion, Christ’s very body and blood.
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Presence - The Mystery of the Eucharist - A 4 part series on the Eucharist...
Too many Catholics approach the Holy Eucharist with indifference… Presence is a lively and compelling series on the central reality of the Catholic religion. “Although the Eucharist appears to be simple bread and wine, it is actually the “source and summit” of the Christian life. Presence: The Mystery of the Eucharist explores the truth and beauty of Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist, from its origins in Sacred Scripture, to its profound role in the life of the Church and her members. It is the crescendo of the entire story of salvation.
The Spirit and the Eucharist
Look at a few of the many ways that the Holy Spirit is present in the Mass that will enable you to encounter God when you attend the Liturgy.
Watch Video on Formed Walk Through the Mass
Every Sunday, Catholics gather together to celebrate the Mass. But do we understand the deeper meaning of what happens there? Now we can...
Watch Video on Formed The Eucharist
It is called the Real Presence of Jesus, the Eucharist, but many Catholics would struggle to explain what that word means. What do Catholics really believe why is it the center point of the Mass?
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ICan't Receive the Eucharist? Here's how to make a spiritual communion...
For various reasons we may be prevented from receiving the Eucharist at Mass. We may have broken the one hour fast, be in a state of mortal sin, or we could even be homebound, unable to leave our home to attend Mass. In these cases, the Church encourages us to make an act of “spiritual communion,” where we unite ourselves to God through prayer. It is a beautiful way to express to God our desire to be united with him when we are unable to complete that union in the reception of Holy Communion. The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God and an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.
An Act of Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen
