Holy Communion / Eucharist – RCS

Roman Catholic sign

A British Sign Language (BSL) translation of Holy Communion / Eucharist. A Roman Catholic sign for Holy Communion / Eucharist. Roman Catholics believe that, through the words of consecration, the bread (usually a disc shaped wafer made from wheat and water) and wine transform (transubstantiation) into the literal body and blood of Christ during Holy Communion. The Council of Trent (1551 AD) wrote, “a change is brought about of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord, and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood.” Roman Catholics cite The Lord’s Supper (The Last Supper) and the ‘Bread of Life Discourse’ in John 6:51 and John 6:53-57, along with Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-26; and Luke 22:14-20 as the reasoning for this.

While the bread and wine still look the same, taste the same, and smell the same, Roman Catholics believe the substance (what is is) does change.

Each time a Roman Catholic celebrates Mass, they are reminded of the events of the paschal Triduum; Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.

Roman Catholics must be in a state of grace (they must have confessed any grave or mortal sin) before receiving it. Roman Catholics cite 1 Corinthians 11:27-29 as a warning that receiving the sacrament unworthily that one would “eateth and drinketh damnation” to themselves.

Roman Catholics must not eat or drink (with the exception of water and medicines) for one hour before receiving Holy Communion

If a Roman Catholic is aware that they have committed an unconfessed grave or mortal sin then they must attend the Sacrament of Confession first.

Roman Catholics must receive Holy Communion at least one per year between between Ash Wednesday and Trinity Sunday, it’s known as their Easter Duty. The Roman Catholic Church encourages Roman Catholics to receive Holy Communion as frequently as they can, even daily if possible.

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