Eucharist, Sacrifice, and Reconciliation in Catholic Theology

*Why is the Eucharist the source and summit of Christian life?*

Because Christ himself is present

Where was the Eucharist instituted?

At the Last Supper

Why is it called Eucharist?

Because it comes from the Greek word 'eucharistia' meaning thanksgiving

*Why were animals sacrificed in the Old Testament and why are they no longer necessary?*

Animals were innocent substitutes to atone for sin, but Jesus became the ultimate sacrifice

Describe the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)

One goat sacrificed for the people, one goat (scapegoat) sent into the wilderness to carry away sins; high priest entered the Holy of Holies behind veil of smoke

What are two important parts of making a covenant in the Old Testament?

Cutting and blood sacrifice

What does the Hebrew term 'Todah' mean?

Thanks or praise

*Describe the significance of Passover*

Commemorated Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt; included the sacrifice and eating of a lamb; foreshadowed the Eucharist

How does the Feeding of the 5000 and the Wedding at Cana relate to the Eucharist?

They prefigure the abundance and transformation in the Eucharist

How do the words of the Last Supper connect to the Mass?

The priest repeats Jesus' words during consecration: 'This is my body... this is my blood'

What verbs does Jesus use in the Greek text of John 6?

Phagete (eat), Trogo (gnaw/chew)

How is the Passover connected to the Eucharist and Christ?

Jesus is the new Passover Lamb, freeing us from sin through His sacrifice

What do priests do when consecrating the Eucharist?

They act in persona Christi and transform the bread and wine into Christ's Body and Blood

What is the role of an Extraordinary Minister of Communion?

They assist in distributing the Eucharist but cannot consecrate it

How can the laity participate in the Mass?

By uniting in prayer, responses, singing, and reverence

What graces come from receiving the Eucharist?

Unity with Christ, forgiveness of venial sins, union with the Church, strength to evangelize

With whom are we entering into Communion?

Jesus, the Trinity, and the Mystical Body of Christ

How should we show respect and prepare to receive the Eucharist?

Believe in His presence, examine conscience, be free of grave sin, fast for one hour

What if we receive the Eucharist unworthily?

We commit sacrilege; we must be in a state of grace to receive it

What is the essential matter of the Eucharist?

Wheat bread and grape wine

What is the essential form of the Eucharist?

'This is my Body... this is my Blood'

Who is the valid minister of the Eucharist?

A validly ordained priest

How is Christ present at Mass?

In the Assembly, the Word, the Priest, the Altar, and most especially in the Eucharist

How did the Council of Trent describe Christ's presence in the Eucharist?

Truly, really, and substantially

What is Transubstantiation?

The substance of bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ while appearances remain the same

What is the difference between substance and accidents?

Substance is the essence; accidents are the physical properties

What do we receive in the Eucharist?

The Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ

Can belief in the Real Presence be traced back to the early Church?

Yes, early Christians broke bread in memory of Christ and believed in His Real Presence

What is evil?

A lack or distortion of the good; tendency toward non-being

What is sin?

A failure to love that offends God and harms relationships

What is the difference between mortal and venial sin?

Mortal sin destroys our relationship with God; venial sin weakens it

What is a sin of omission?

Failing to do something good one is obliged to do

Why should we avoid sin?

It damages relationships, offends God, and makes us unhappy

Why is sin its own punishment?

Choosing lesser goods separates us from true happiness in God

How does sin affect our relationship with ourselves and God?

It causes internal division and separates us from God's grace

Why go to a priest for confession?

Priests act in the person of Christ and offer sacramental forgiveness

What are the benefits of confession?

Forgiveness of sin, restoration of grace, peace of conscience

What are the steps of confession?

Examination of conscience, contrition, confession, penance, absolution

What happens in the sacrament of confession?

The penitent confesses sins, receives absolution, and is reconciled to God and the Church

What is the matter of Reconciliation?

Contrition, confession, and satisfaction

What is the essential form of Reconciliation?

'I absolve you from your sins'

Who is the valid minister of Reconciliation?

A validly ordained priest

What is absolution?

The priest's prayer of forgiveness in the name of Christ

What is the seal of confession?

Priests are absolutely forbidden to reveal anything heard in confession