The Parish of Hannahstown
Saint Joseph's and Saint Peter's
Very Rev. Patrick Devlin
Chaplain to the Deaf Community
Chaplain to the Antrim Area Hospital
Thur/Fri Emergency Calls
Parish Mobile Number: 07910833699
Vicariate Emergency Sick Calls : 07549209775
Parish Email: hannahstown@downandconnor.org
Parish Secretary: Mrs Grainne McArevey
Telephone: 02890614567
23 Hannahstown Hill, Belfast, BT17 0LT
Eucharist
The Eucharist is one of the central and most significant sacraments in the Catholic Church. It is also referred to as the Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper. The Eucharist is a commemoration of the Last Supper, where Jesus Christ instituted the sacrament by consecrating bread and wine and
instructing His disciples to partake in remembrance of Him.
Real Presence: The Catholic Church teaches the doctrine of the Real Presence, which means that during the consecration at Mass, the bread and wine become the actual body and blood of Jesus Christ. This transformation is believed to occur through the process of transubstantiation, wherein the substance of the bread and wine changes while retaining the appearance of bread and wine.
Holy Communion: Catholics believe that receiving the Eucharist is a way to receive the living Christ into their souls. Holy Communion is considered a source of grace, nourishment for the soul, and a means of deepening one's union with Christ and the Church.
Mass: The celebration of the Eucharist takes place within the context of the Mass, which is the central liturgical worship of the Catholic Church. The Mass consists of two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word, where scripture is read and preached, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist, where the consecration of the bread and wine occurs.
Adoration: Outside of the Mass, Catholics also participate in Eucharistic adoration. This involves the display of the consecrated host (the consecrated bread) in a monstrance for adoration and prayer.
Reverence and Preparation: Catholics approach the Eucharist with great reverence and preparation. Before receiving Communion, they are encouraged to examine their conscience, seek forgiveness through the sacrament of reconciliation if needed, and fast for at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist.
Transubstantiation: The Catholic Church uses the term "transubstantiation" to describe the change that occurs during the consecration. This term emphasizes that the substance of the bread and wine is transformed into the substance of Christ's body and blood, while the accidents (outward appearances) of bread and wine remain.
The Eucharist holds a central place in the Catholic faith, representing the ongoing presence of Christ in the life of the Church and the spiritual nourishment of the faithful. The celebration of the Eucharist is a fundamental aspect of Catholic worship and theology.