The New Saint Joseph

First Communion Catechism

Lesson 11

The Holy Eucharist

48. What is the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?

The Holy Eucharist is the sacrament of the body and blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Holy Eucharist is Our Lord Himself.

He comes to us in Person.

He comes to be Food for our soul.

He comes to live in us.

He comes to stay with us.

He comes to help us always.

49. When does Jesus Christ become present in the Holy Eucharist?

Jesus Christ becomes present in the Holy Eucharist during the Sacrifice of the Mass.

The Mass is Our Gift to God.

We offer bread and wine.

The priest does it for us.

We give our hearts to God.

Then the priest changes the bread and wine.

They become the Body and Blood of Jesus.

The priest offers them to God.

This tells God we love Him.

Jesus offers Himself as He did on the Cross.

We also offer ourselves with Jesus.

We are willing to suffer with Him.

The Gift of Jesus on the Cross pleased the Father, so the Father raised Jesus from

the dead.

Our Gift at Mass pleases the Father too, so the Father will raise us with Jesus.

Some day we will all be together in heaven.

50. Do you receive Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?

I do receive Jesus Christ in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist when I receive Holy Communion.

To show He is pleased, the Father invites us to

His table.

He gives us something to eat.

He gives us what we have given Him.

He gives us the Flesh and Blood of His Son.

He gives us the Host which looks like bread, but which is JESUS CHRIST.

Jesus Christ is the Food and Drink of our soul.

It makes our souls strong.

51. Do you see Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist?

No, I do not see Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist because He is hidden under the appearances of bread and wine.

The Eucharist is Christ.

He is really there.

We cannot see Him,

We cannot hear Him,

but He is there.

The HOST looks like bread.

But it is really the Body of Jesus.

The big Host is for the priest.

The small Hosts are for the people.

Each Host is Jesus.

The CHALICE contains the Blood.

It looks and tastes like wine.

But it is really the Blood of Jesus.

The Mass is an act of love.

Our Lord says to His Father, “I love You.”

He tells this to the Father for us.

He wants us to say it with Him.

52. What must you do to receive Holy Communion?

To receive Holy Communion I must:

1. Have my soul free from mortal sin.

2. Not eat or drink anything for one hour before Holy Communion. But water may be taken at any time before Holy Communion.

People in mortal sin may not go to Communion.

It is a big sin if they go.

The life of Christ in their souls is dead.

Dead people cannot eat.

But sick people need to eat.

Venial sin makes the soul sick.

We can receive Communion with venial sins.

But first we should be sorry for our sins.

I must not eat for one hour before Communion.

I must not drink anything for one hour.

I may take water or medicine any time.

All this is to show respect for Our Lord.

53. What should you do before Holy Communion?

Before Holy Communion I should:

1. Think of Jesus.

2. Say the prayers I have learned.

3. Ask Jesus to come to me.

54. What should you do after Holy Communion?

After Holy Communion I should:

1. Thank Jesus for coming to me.

2. Tell Him how much I love Him.

3. Ask Him to help me.

4. Pray for others.
Then thank Him, talk to Him, ask His help.