Holy Communion Flashcards
What is Holy Communion?
A sacrament which uses bread and wine to to celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that atoned for mankinds sins.
Recalls last supper
what are other names for holy communion?
- the Eucharist
- mass
- breaking of bread
- divine liturgy
What 2 parts does the Holy Communion consist of?
HC service has 2 parts:
- ministry of the word which focuses on the Bible
- Ministry of Holy communiom - the offering, consecrating and sharing of bread and wine.
Importance of Holy Communion?
- Allows Christians to give thanks to God for his great love by sending Jesus to Earth to save us from sin through his sacrifice.
- It is an act of fellowship because they share it together, so they should be brought closer together as a community towards God.
- It allows Christians to receive the grace of God by joining in the sacrifice of Jesus - this strengthens faith and become closer to God.
- It encourages the work for equality and to end injustice, as this is what Jesus did by sacrificing his life to repent our sins.
- Acts as a call to love others in practical ways
- many churches collect money during services to supports those in need.
roman catholic belief about the Eucharist
- believe the bread and wine become body and blood of Christ.
- Jesus fully present in bread and wine
- this is a divine mystery that helps believers share in the sacrifice and ressurectio of Jesus.
Protestant belief about the Eucharist
- eucharist reminder of last supper.
- Bread and wine does not become body and blood.
- Instead symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice which helps reflect on meaning of scarifice
What are Baptism and Eucharist sacraments also known as and why
gospel sacraments because they were authorised by Jesus in the gospel
What is holy communion called in orthodox church
-called divine liturgy
Orthodox divine liturgy - liturgy of the word
-called divine liturgy - able to recreate heaven and Earth.
-service held at altar behind a screen called iconostasis that represents divide between heaven and earth.
-hymns, prayers and bible readings
priest passes through screen through royal doors to chant Gospel.
-may be sermon
Orthoox divine liturgy - liturgy of the faithful
- priest recieves wine and bread made by church members
- prayers offered to church, locals and world
- behind iconostasis, the priest says the words of Jesus at the Last Supper
- most of bread + wine is consecrated as the body and blood of christ
- distibuted to congregation with spoon
- prayers of thanksgiving said
- unconsecrated bread given to be taken home as sign of belonging
Catholic Mass and Anglican Holy Communion - Liturgy of the word
- 3 bible readings, psalm and homily
- creed said
- prayers made to church, locals, world and sick and dead
Catholic Mass and Anglican Holy Communion - Liturgy of the Eucharist
- Anglicans give sign of peace to eachother
- offerings of bread + wine bought to altar
- jesus words at last supper said over bread and wine
- lords prayer said
- in catholic mass sign of peace is given
- bread and wine given
- priest blesses people and sends them out to live the gospel
Holy communion in united reformed church
- service begins with hymn and prayer of praise and thanksgiving
- bible readings and sermon given
- prayers made for world and for needs of particular people
- minister repeats actions and words of jesus at last supper
- ‘open table’ for anyone who wishes to recieve Holy communion
- sometimes bread is out other times bread passed around by congregation
- wine sometime non - alcohol and distribited through small cups
- ends with prayer of thanksgiving, a blessing, and an encouragement to go out and serve God
