The Eucharist
Welcome to the page about the Eucharist. Here you can learn more about the Eucharist. At the end of the page there is a video and activity based around the Eucharist to help in your preparation for First Holy Communion.
What is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is a very special gift that we prepare to receive through the sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus during the Mass.
this is the most important part of the Mass, as we see Jesus truly present there with us.
This is not a symbol of Jesus, but it is truly Him!
Why is it important?
The Eucharist is important because it is truly Jesus who is there in the host. This is one of the ways that Jesus gives himself to us because he loves us so much.
It helps us be more loving and kind, which is how Jesus lived when He was on earth and now in Heaven.
Is this really Jesus?, How do we know?
Because Jesus told us so. For the last Supper, Jesus told us that this is his body and his blood
Yes! The Eucharist is really Jesus—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
It still looks like bread and wine…
But after the priest says the special prayer at Mass—called the Consecration—something amazing happens.
The bread and wine become Jesus Himself!
This change is called Transubstantiation (that’s a big word!).
It means the inside changes (it becomes Jesus), even though the outside still looks like bread and wine.
Do we have to fast before receiving Jesus in the Eucharist?
Yes we do. But why?
Imagine you’re going to a very special party where you get to meet someone really important. You wouldn’t want to eat too much beforehand and be full up, right? You’d want to be ready, clean, and respectful.
The Church teaches us that when we receive the Eucharist, we are receiving Jesus Himself, His Body and His Blood.
That’s the most special gift we could ever get.
So, the Church asks us not to eat or drink anything (except water or medicine) for one hour before we receive Jesus in the Eucharist.
This is what we call fasting.
We fast because:
- It helps us remember how special Jesus is
- It helps us prepare our hearts and bodies to welcome Him.
- It shows respect and love for Jesus, just like we would get ready to meet someone super important.
How often can I receive the Eucharist?
You can receive the Eucharist every time you go to Mass—as long as you’re ready!
That means:
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You believe it is really Jesus.
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You haven’t committed any serious sins.
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You’ve fasted for 1 hour before Communion.
The Church says you can receive Communion up to twice in one day, but only if the second time is during a full Mass.
So, here’s a simple way to remember it:
Once a day is normal (like Sunday Mass).
Twice is okay if both are at a full Mass.
And guess what? The Church asks us to receive Communion at least once a year, especially during Easter time—but many people go every Sunday or even every day!
Because the Eucharist is Jesus, receiving Him often helps us grow in love, be kind, and stay close to God.
Can I receive the Eucharist without going to Confession?
If you haven’t done anything really serious to hurt your friendship with God, you don’t need to go to Confession every time before Communion.
But if you have done something really serious (like missing Sunday Mass on purpose, or something you know is a big sin), then you should go to Confession first before receiving Jesus.
The Church encourages us to go to Confession often—even if we don’t have mortal sin—because it helps us stay close to God and grow in holiness!
Activity
Draw a picture of a Chalice with the Host above it. You can use the image above for inspiration of your Chalice.
Draw some sun rays if you wish too!
From your reading, write some words around the Chalice about why the Eucharist is important, as well as anything else you have learnt!
