The Penny Catechism - The Seven Sacraments and the Mass - Holy Eucharist (and the Mass)

Holy Eucharist (and The Mass)

266. What is the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist?

The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, together with his Soul and Divinity, under the appearances of bread and wine.

267. How are the bread and wine changed into the Body and Blood of Christ?

The bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ by the power of God, to whom nothing is impossible or difficult.

268. When are the bread and wine changed into the Body and Blood of Christ?
 
The bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ when the words of consecration, ordained by Jesus Christ, are pronounced by the priest in Holy Mass.

269.Why has Christ given himself to us in the Holy Eucharist?
 
Christ has given himself to us in the Holy Eucharist to be the life and the food of our souls. 'He that eateth me, the same also shall live by me', 'He that eateth this bread shall live forever'. John 6:58,59

270. Is Christ received whole and entire under either under either kind alone?
 
Christ is received whole and entire under either kind alone.
 
271. In order to receive the Blessed Sacrament worthily what is required?
 
To receive the Blessed Sacrament worthily it is required that we be in a state of grace and keep the prescribed fast; water does not break this fast.

272. What is it to be in a state of grace?

To be in a state of grace is to be free from mortal sin, and pleasing to God.

273. Is it a great sin to receive Holy Communion in mortal sin?

It is a great sin to receive Holy Communion in mortal sin; 'for he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself'. Cor. 11:29

274. Is the Blessed Eucharist a Sacrament only?

The Blessed Eucharist is not a Sacrament only; it is also a sacrifice.

275. What is a sacrifice?

A sacrifice is the offering of a victim by a priest to God alone, in testimony of his being the Sovereign Lord of all things.

276. What is the Sacrifice of the New Law?

The Sacrifice of the New Law is the Holy Mass.

277. What is the Holy Mass?

The Holy Mass is the Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, really present on the altar under the appearances of bread and wine, and offered to God for the living and the dead.

278. Is the Holy Mass one and the same Sacrifice with that of the Cross?

The Holy Mass is one and the same Sacrifice with that of the Cross, inasmuch as Christ, who offered himself, a bleeding victim, on the Cross to his heavenly Father, continues to offer himself in an unbloody manner on the altar, through the ministry of his priests.

279. For what ends is the Sacrifice of the Mass offered?

The Sacrifice of the Mass is offered for four ends:

first, to give supreme honor and glory to God;

secondly, to thank him for all his benefits;

thirdly, to satisfy God for our sins and to obtain the grace of repentance; 

and fourthly, to obtain all other graces and blessings through Jesus Christ.

280. Is the Mass also a memorial of the Passion and Death of our Lord?

The Mass is also a memorial of the Passion and Death of our Lord, for Christ at his last supper said: 'Do this for a commemoration of me'. Luke 22:19

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