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Confirmation
In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized person is"sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit" and is strengthened for service to the Body of Christ.
The Holy Spirit
The prophets of the Old Testament foretold that God's Spirit would rest upon the Messiah to sustain his mission. Their prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus the Messiah was conceived by the Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus on the occasion of his baptism by John. Jesus' entire mission occurred in communion with the Spirit. Before he died, Jesus promised that the Spirit would be given to the Apostles and to the entire Church. After his death, he was raised by the Father in the power of the Spirit.
Why does Jesus give himself to us as food and drink?
The Eucharist is a profound gift from Christ, given to us out of love and a desire for unity. By participating in this sacred meal, we can partake in the life of Christ and experience a mystical union with him. Through the Eucharist, we are transformed and renewed, becoming more fully alive in Christ. Let us approach the table of the Lord with reverence and gratitude, knowing that through this sacred meal, we are nourished and sustained by the love of our Savior.
Is the Eucharist a symbol?
The transformed bread and wine in the Eucharist are truly the Body and Blood of Christ and are not merely symbols. The doctrine of Transubstantiation affirms this belief, and it is a central aspect of Catholic faith and practice. When we receive the Eucharist, we are not only receiving a piece of bread and a sip of wine, but we are receiving Christ himself, who gives us life and salvation. The Eucharist is a profound mystery that reminds us of the sacrificial love of Christ and his presence among us.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The preparation of the gifts and the altar in the Liturgy of the Eucharist is a sacred and symbolic act that prepares the faithful to participate in the holy sacrifice of the Mass. Through the offering of bread and wine, the faithful symbolize their offering of themselves to God, while also acknowledging His presence and grace in the sacramental elements. The Prayer over the Offerings further disposes all present for the Eucharistic Prayer, where the sacrifice of Christ is made present and eternal for the salvation of humanity. Ultimately, the Liturgy of the Eucharist is a profound and transformative experience that nourishes the soul and strengthens the faith of the faithful, making them more fully alive in Christ.
The Liturgy of the Eucharist
The Eucharistic Prayer is indeed the heart of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. It is a prayer of thanksgiving, of sacrifice, and of unity. Through this prayer, the celebration of the Eucharist becomes a participation in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet. It is a sacred moment where the faithful are invited to offer themselves to God and to be united with Christ in His sacrifice.
The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church
The document The Mystery of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church was developed by the Committee on Doctrine of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). It was approved by the full body of the USCCB at its November 2021 General Meeting and has been authorized for publication.