What is the meaning and relevance of the Eucharist celebrated by Catholics in mass?

Worship service report of St. Michael’s Cathedral

What is the meaning and relevance of the Eucharist celebrated by Catholics in mass?

Champlin, Joseph M. The Breaking of the Bread: An Updated Handbook for Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Paulist Press, 2014.

Champlin, a Eucharist minister for several years, discusses the background of the Eucharist in history and why it is essential for every catholic member to partake in the communion; he also highlights the changes that have occurred over the years concerning the participation of believers in celebrating the Eucharist. Until the 4^th-century, believers could carry the Holy Communion home after celebrating the Eucharist, which was done every Sunday by a priest; thus, people could consume the Holy Communion daily. However, this has changed over the years; the Eucharist presently is only handled by the clergy. The Eucharist signifies holiness, and thus it brings peace and fulfillment to believers who partake it. Hence the Roman Catholic Church attaches a lot of importance to the eucharis as it is believed to bring healing, not just of the heart and soul but the physical body, as well as such believers are encouraged to take the Holy Communion, which is given out in any mass.

Cordes, Paul Josef. Call to Holiness: Reflections on the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Liturgical Press, 1997.

Cordes evaluates charismatic renewals that have been made in the Roman based Church over the years. He observes that although changes have taken place concerning the Holy Communion’s celebration over the years, its relevance has not declined or changed in the years. He highlights the Holy Spirit’s renewal in believers’ lives has resulted in the rediscovery of the importance of different sacraments like that of settlement and the Eucharist. Through the sacraments, Jesus can give and fill the believers with the Holy Spirit. It enables people to grow spiritually, which is essential in overcoming their difficulties in their daily lives. The holy sacraments help boost people’s prayer life, which is a crucial element in the life of any catholic believer. The desire of people for the sacrament of Eucharist helps them appreciate the role of the clergy in the church, and thus it helps in promoting peace among all the believers and the church’s leadership. He observes that the Eucharist has encouraged believers’ commitment to the church. Therefore people who attach relevance to the Eucharist always attend mass and are committed to improving the church. He concludes that the Roman church’s charismatic renewal has promoted holiness among people through the Eucharist.

Irwin, Kevin W. Models of the Eucharist. Paulist Press, 2005.

Irwin evaluates different forms of Catholic Church sacraments and how the clergy plays a part in it. He discusses how believers use the Eucharist to connect with Christ, a relevant figure in their belief system and religion. The mystery of Christ is beyond the comprehension of humans. Still, by celebrating and taking the Holy Communion, people get a chance to share the glory of God through Jesus Christ, represented by the Eucharist. It allows people’s hearts and minds to be drawn to Christ’s achievements and his salvation, thus giving people peace. He observes that the tendency of people attending mass was declining. People were not prioritizing going to church over other activities. He notes that people aged between 21 and 29 are fascinated by the Eucharist idea. As such, many people in that age bracket partake in the celebration. Although many people are Catholics, some are distancing themselves from going to mass and taking the Eucharist for various reasons. However, some are devoted to the Eucharist, and thus they never miss taking the Holy Communion. He concludes that the Eucharist and the sacrificial aspect of it play a significant role in the orthodox belief of Catholics in the current church, which influences the commitment of people to the church, its laws and doctrines.