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Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

Special Features
The Sacraments: Eucharist

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What does the Eucharist mean to you?
We'll post selected responses in this feature.

What the Eucharist Means to Me: Our Readers Respond
As the Year of the Eucharist came to an end, 10 of our readers revealed how their lives were changed by the Body of Christ.

"Eucharist: Food for Mission"
Pope John Paul II's 2004 Message Eucharist and Mission

201 Inspirational Stories of the Eucharist
by Sister Patricia Proctor, O.S.C.

Newsletter Articles:
 
Catholic Update
"Eucharist: Heart of the Church"
John Paul II's encyclical Ecclesia de Eucharistia in condensed form

"The Liturgy of the Eucharist"
By William H. Shannon

"The Real Presence: Jesus' Gift to the Church"
by John Bookser Feister

"Eucharist: Sign and Source of Christian Unity"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.

"Mass and Communion Service: What's the Difference?"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.

"Eucharist: Understanding Christ's Body"
by William H. Shannon

"Participating Fully at Sunday Mass: An Adaptation of Gather Faithfully Together: A Guide for Sunday Mass"
by Cardinal Roger Mahony

"Real Presence in the Eucharist"
by Jeffrey D. VonLehmen

"First Communion: Joining the Family Table"
by Carol Luebering

"The Sacrament of the Eucharist: What Has Happened to My Devotion?"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.

"A Walk Through the Mass: A Step-By-Step Explanation"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M

"Is the Mass a Meal?"
by Charles Gusmer

Scripture From Scratch
"Jesus, Bread of Life"
by Virginia Smith

"The Eucharist"
by Thomas Bokenkotter

Youth Update

"Making Mass a Real Celebration: Tips on Planning"
by Thomas Richstatter, O.F.M.

"Eucharist: Say Yes!"
by Mary Cummins Wlodarski

Millennium Monthly
"The Eucharist: A Foretaste of Heaven"
by Archbishop Daniel E. Pilarczyk

"Eucharist: The Mystical Body"
by John Gallen, S.J.

"Eucharist: The Real Presence"
by John Gallen, S.J.

Update Your Faith:

Is Jesus really present in the Eucharist?

May I receive Communion during a service in a non-Catholic church?

May Catholics give holy Communion to non-Catholics?

May I take the host to the cup and dip?

How many times may I receive holy Communion in one day?

How should we prepare for Communion in the home?

FAQs on other Sacraments



Click here to return to the main Sacraments page.




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Rita of Cascia: Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life. 
<p>Born at Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded. </p><p>Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness and charity became legendary. When she developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ's crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ's passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery. </p><p>Beatified in 1626, Rita was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with St. Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year.</p> American Catholic Blog How am I supposed to believe what you are saying, if you don't believe it yourself? Preach with confidence and conviction, or sit down!


 
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CATHOLIC GREETINGS
Graduation
If you’re not able to attend the graduation in person, send an e-card expressing your affection and pride.
Ordination Anniversary
Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.
Happy Birthday
Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.
Pentecost
As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.
Pentecost
As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.


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