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Holy Eucharist
The Holy Eucharist
The Catechism contained in our Book of Common Prayer offers
helpful information to questions about The Episcopal Church and what we
believe. They are traditionally addressed in Question and Answer format.
Q. What is the Holy Eucharist?
A. The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the
continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his
coming again.
Q. Why is the Eucharist called a
sacrifice?
A. Because the Eucharist, the Church's sacrifice of praise and
thanksgiving, is the way by which the sacrifice of Christ is made present,
and in which he unites us to his one offering of himself.
Q. By what other names is this service
known?
A. The Holy Eucharist is called the Lord's Supper, and Holy Communion; it
is also known as the Divine Liturgy, the Mass, and the Great Offering.
Q. What is the outward and visible sign in
the Eucharist?
A. The outward and visible sign in the Eucharist is bread and wine, given
and received according to Christ's command.
Q. What is the inward and spiritual grace
given in the Eucharist?
A. The inward and spiritual grace in the Holy Communion is the Body and
Blood of Christ given to his people, and received by faith.
Q. What are the benefits which we receive
in the Lord's Supper?
A. The benefits we receive are the forgiveness of our sins, the
strengthening of our union with Christ and one another, and the foretaste
of the heavenly banquet which is our nourishment in eternal life.
Q. What is required of us when we come to
the Eucharist?
A. It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins,
and be in love and charity with all people. |
