Hey there,
Over the past two weeks, we’ve looked at the first two sacraments of initiation: Baptism and Confirmation. Today we cover the third, the Sacrament of Communion.
One thing in particular struck me as I was gathering these resources. It’s the concept that although we eat the host (take it into our body), we are united with Jesus Christ in the Sacrament of Communion. In other words, it’s not Jesus joining us … it’s Him taking us in.
Most Catholics who are baptized as babies receive the Sacrament of Communion a few years later as a child. For cradle Catholics like me, that was a long time ago.
So it’s only natural that some of the finer details about the Sacrament may have gotten lost along the way. This week Genuflect takes a look at the details of the Sacrament of Holy Communion. What it is, its history as it evolved over the centuries, myths that some people believe, and much more.
Truly, there’s so much about this Sacrament that is a mystery … and we’re only scratching the surface here.
Keep Believing-
Katy Barrilleaux
Founding Editor, Genuflect
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genuflect: resources
The Sacrament of Communion
The Sacrament of Holy Communion is the third sacrament of initiation, along with Baptism and Confirmation. Who can receive Communion, how do you prepare for Communion, and what are the effects of Communion? Scott Richert has the answers.
The Sacrament of Holy Communion in The Catholic Church | Learn Religions
More on Holy Communion
Beginning Catholic provides even more information about Holy Communion. Here you’ll learn what the purpose of Communion is, our union with Christ, the Grace received from Holy Communion. And much more.
Holy Communion in The Catholic Church | Beginning Catholic
The Eucharist Throughout History
We all know that Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Last Supper. But the precursors for the Eucharist go back much further. The Denver Catholic created a historical timeline that “highlights some of the key moments that prepared the way for the Eucharist in the Old Testament, its institution in the New Testament, and its practice and deeper understanding in subsequent centuries.” There’s even a nice printable version of the timeline.
The Eucharist Throughout History: A Timeline | Denver Catholic
5 Myths About The Eucharist
There are some myths about the Holy Eucharist that persist even today. You may want to check these out to see if there are any here that you believe.
5 Myths About The Eucharist That Too Many People Still Believe (Maybe Even You!) | ChurchPOP
3 Wrong Ways to Receive Communion
The Catechism of the Catholic Church provides direction on how to receive Communion. But there are three common things that people mistakenly do … or don’t do. Don’t make these mistakes.
3 Ways Many Catholics Are Receiving The Eucharist Wrong | ChurchPOP
Receiving Communion Worthily
Receiving Communion is pretty automatic for most of us. But if we are not in a state of Grace, we’re supposed to sit it out. Here’s what you need to know about receiving the Holy Eucharist worthily.
What Does Ii Mean to Receive Communion Worthily? | Aleteia
Genuflecting
There are 3 times during the Mass when the Priest genuflects .. all surrounding the Eucharist. And there are circumstances by which we are to genuflect as well. We better cover these here at Genuflect.
Communion Gestures | Simply Catholic
Why is it Called Communion?
I bet you tend to refer to it, like I do, as receiving Communion. But why do we call it that? What does it mean? Philip Kosloski knows why.
Why is Receiving The Host at Mass Called “Communion?” | Aleteia
The History of Communion Wafers
Jesus likely used unleavened bread at the Last Supper. So how did we end up with the small white round hosts that we use today? Lucia Graziano provides the legend … and the likely reality.
Communion Wafers Instead of Loaves: A History | Aleteia
Divorce And Communion
So many marriages end in divorce. And Catholic marriages are not exempt. So what does the Church say about divorced Catholics receiving Communion? Father Reginald Martin explains.
Divorce and Communion | Simply Catholic
3 Post Communion Prayers
The time after receiving Communion is our time to enter into conversation with the Lord. If you’d like a little help, Madeleine Coyne offers 3 prayers to help us enter into full communion with the Lord.
3 Prayers to Say After Receiving Communion | Blessed is She
genuflect: related
We covered the other Sacraments of the Catholic Church, so you can take a deeper dive into each one:
Receiving Grace From The Sacraments
Shining a Light on Our Baptismal Calling
Driving Graces With The Sacrament of Confirmation
Celebrating The Sacrament of Matrimony
Utilizing The Sacrament of Confession
Studying The Sacrament of Holy Orders
Requesting The Sacrament of The Anointing of The Sick
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Inspiration on Your Desktop And Phone
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