Ch.3 Vocabulary: The Eucharist

Adoration

Worship and acknowledgment of God as the thrice-holy Creator.

Age of Reason

The age at which a person becomes morally responsible, typically set at seven years.

Anaphora

The Eucharistic prayer prayed by the priest at Mass, beginning with the preface and ending with the Great Amen.

Benediction

A prayer invoking God's power and care upon a person, place, or undertaking.

Communion

The reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist and the bond of union among Christians.

Consecration

Dedication to a sacred purpose, specifically the moment in Mass when bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.

Covenant

A solemn promise or contract regarding future actions, binding on participants.

Epiclesis

The calling down of the Holy Spirit during Mass to transform bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Jesus.

Eucharist

The principal sacramental celebration of the Church, established by Jesus at the Last Supper, also known as the Mass.

Excommunication

A censure excluding a person from the communion of the faithful due to grave sin.

Koinonia (Communio)

The Greek term for communion or fellowship, denoting the relationship among believers and with God.

Mass

The principal sacramental celebration of the Church, also called the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper.

Missal

A liturgical book containing the prayers of the Mass for the priest's use.

Missalette

A booklet for the laity containing prayers, songs, and Scripture readings used at Mass.

Monstrance

A vessel used for exposing the Blessed Sacrament for adoration.

Paschal Lamb

The sacrificial lamb of Passover, symbolizing Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Passover

A Jewish feast commemorating the deliverance from Egypt, foreshadowing Christ’s sacrificial Passion.

Real Presence

The true presence of Christ in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine.

Sacramental Presence

The real existence of Christ’s divinity and humanity in the Holy Eucharist.

Sacrifice

A ritual offering made to God, with Christ's sacrifice on the Cross being the perfect example.

Spiritual Communion

A desire to receive Holy Communion when unable to do so physically.

State of Grace

The condition of enjoying friendship with God, lost by mortal sin but can be regained.

Tabernacle

A receptacle in the church for reserving the consecrated Eucharist for Communion and adoration.

Transubstantiation

The change of the substance of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Eucharist.

Victim

A living being sacrificed in a religious ritual; Jesus is the ultimate victim for salvation.