Sacrament of Holy Communion

• What does Holy Communion mean?

  Act of spiritual thanks. Consume bread and wine which is the body and blood of Jesus.
• Other names for Holy Communion (Church of England)

  • Mass (Roman Catholic)
  • The Divine Liturgy
  • The Breaking of Bread
  • The Lord's Supper
  • Eucharist
• RR form the Corinthians

  • "This is my blood spilt for you, drink it in memory of me"
  • "This is my body broken for you, eat it in memory of me"
• The cup with red wine and the bread are the symbols of Holy Communion

  • Flat bread represents the body of Christ.
  • Red wine is a symbol for the blood of Christ.
  • Receiving the blood and body of Christ means to be with Jesus (the cup)
• Holy Communion/Mass- Catholic, Orthodox and Anglican

  • Jesus is fully present in the bread and wine through divine mystery – becomes body and blood of Christ. Thus, HC allows them to be  present at the death and resurrection of Christ [transubstantiation]
• What does transubstantiation mean?

  To change form. Wine+bread=blood and body of Christ literally.
• Holy Communion- Protestant

  Reminder of Jesus' last words and actions during the Last Supper. Bread and wine are a symbol of his sacrifice and thank him for it.
• Holy Communion- Other denominations

  • HC is an act of fellowship; believers become closer with each other and God by sharing bread and wine 
• What does intinction mean?

  Dipping the consecrated bread into the consecrated wine during communion.
• What does amen mean?

  Agreement. Truly, yes or indeed. I believe/will/am a member of.
• What happens during the Eucharist?

  • Give thanks to God's sacrifice.
  • Honour the last supper. (during Passover a plague was sent to kill the first born Egyptian sons as the Jews were enslaved there)
  • Share bread and drink form a shared cup.
  • Goat milk or grape juice can be used as a substitute for wine.
  • Given in your hand or tongue (host of Jesus given, not taken)
  • Body, blood and divinity present.
  • Bow then accept.
• Importance of Holy Communion for individuals

  1. Christians receive God’s  grace by joining in the sacrifice of Jesus
  2. This helps to strengthen their faith
  3. Become closer to God (are in the presence of Jesus and his sacrifice)
  4. They have the opportunity to remember and thank Jesus for his sacrifice. 
• Importance of Holy Communion for communities

  1. Brings the community of believers together in unity by sharing the bread and wine
  2. This can provide support and encouragement for those going through a difficult time
  3. Everyone is equal and welcome.
  4. Share the experience of their love.
• Importance of Holy Communion to the society

  1. Holy Communion acts as a call to love others in practical ways
  2. Encourages Christians to work for equality and justice for all
  3. Many churches collect money during the service to help to support those in need, such as the poor or homeless
• Explain two reasons why the Holy Communion is significant for Christians. Include a teaching.  (5 marks)

  One reason why the Holy Communion is significant is that

  Christians remember Jesus and have an opportunity to thank him for his sacrifice. Jesus instructed them to do so when he said, ‘This is my blood spilt for you, drink it in memory of me’. Another reason is that it brings the community together. Christians gather for this occasion, they often drink from the same cup and share the same bread while  offering support and encouragement to each other.