11.Different understandings of the Eucharist

Question 1

Why do Catholics believe the mass is the “summit” of Christian life?

Answer 1

-the offering of Christ on the cross is the highest form of prayer to God
-the mass celebrates and re-enacts the most important event in Christianity

Question 2

Why do Catholics believe the mass is also the “source” of Christian life?

Answer 2

-Christ’s Body and Blood give life to the soul,just as normal food gives life to the human body

Question 3

What do Orthodox Christians believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 3

Like Catholics, they believe Christ is fully present in the consecrated Bread and Wine
Differences to Catholicism include the following:
• The Eucharist is always celebrated with the community; a Catholic priest can say Mass
on his own
• More emphasis is placed on symbolism and ritual

Question 4

What do Anglicans Christians believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 4

-Many believe the Spirit of Christ is received when Communion is given
-Christ is spiritually present but the Bread and Wine do not literally become the Body and Blood of Christ
-Christ is present in the community that shares the Eucharist

Question 5

What do Quakers believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 5

-These groups do not celebrate any form of Eucharist
-Instead they believe that Christ is present through the Spirit, who inspires their prayers and actions They do not practise the sacraments as they believe the whole of life is a sacrament

Question 6

What do nonconformist Christians believe about the Eucharist?

Answer 6

-Many believe the Eucharist is a memorial of the Last Supper; this means its purpose is to remember the Last Supper and its importance
-Christ is present in particular in the Bible readings
-Christ enters peoples’ lives when they receive Communion