What does it mean that Jesus Christ is present in the Eucharist under the appearances of bread and wine? How does this happen? The presence of the risen Christ in the Eucharist is an inexhaustible mystery that the Church can never fully explain in words. We must remember that the triune God is the creator of all that exists and has the power to do more than we can possibly imagine. As St. Ambrose said: "If the word of the Lord Jesus is so powerful as to bring into existence things which were not, then a fortiori those things which already exist can be changed into something else" ( D e Sacramentis, IV, 5-16). God created the world in order to share his life with persons who are not God. This great plan of salvation reveals a wisdom that surpasses our understanding. But we are not left in ignorance: for out of his love for us, God reveals his truth to us in ways that we can understand through the gift of faith and the grace of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. We are thus enabled to understand at least in some measure what would otherwise remain unknown to us, though we can never completely comprehend the mystery of God. (*from USCCB)
The Real Presence of Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of the Eucharist: Basic Questions and Answers
I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
Celebrating the Mass is the source and summit of our Christian life!
Did you know that Eucharist means “Thanksgiving?”
Create a prayer jar together. Place it, or a simple basket of prayer intentions, in the center of your dinner table as a reminder to intentionally pray.
November 1, 2020 - Solemnity of All Saints
November 8, 2020 - Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 15, 2020 - Thirty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 22, 2020 - Thirty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time
November 29, 2020 - First Sunday of Advent
Eucharistic Adoration is the adoration of Jesus Christ, present in the Holy Eucharist, typically exposed in a monstrance rather than inside the tabernacle. Did you know that St. Patrick’s Church in Natick is one of only 19 sites in Massachusetts offering Perpetual Adoration? Their adoration chapel, which provides an atmosphere for quiet intimacy with the Lord, is open to all day and night. All are encouraged and invited to spend some time with the Lord before the Eucharist.
The Eucharist gives us “food for the journey” to help us live out our call to be the light of Christ in the world.