The Eucharist is the heart of Catholic life. It is the sacrament in which bread and wine become the body and blood of Jesus Christ — a mystery of faith that Catholics celebrate at every Mass.
The word Eucharist comes from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving”, and that is exactly what it is — a profound act of gratitude to God for the gift of His son, and a moment of deep, personal encounter with Christ.
Why the Eucharist matters
At every Mass, we do not simply remember the Last Supper — we participate in it. Christ is truly present in the Eucharist, and receiving Him is one of the most intimate acts of faith a Catholic can make.
The Eucharist nourishes us for the journey of life. It strengthens our relationship with God, unites us with one another as a community, and sends us out into the world to live and share the Gospel.
Receiving Holy Communion
Any baptised Catholic who has made their First Holy Communion and is in a state of grace is welcome to receive Communion at Mass. If you are not Catholic, or if you have not yet received your First Holy Communion, you are warmly invited to come forward with your arms crossed over your chest to receive a blessing instead.
First Holy Communion
If your child is preparing to receive the Eucharist for the first time, our First Holy Communion programme walks families through this special journey together. Find out everything you need to know on our First Holy Communion page.
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever.” — John 6:51