Holy Communion

Holy Communion

1. The sharing of bread and wine

   • Most denominations but not all
     • eg. Not quakers
     • Different beliefs about it based on what they call it

2. Breaking of the bread

   • Non conformist churches, non liturgical worship
   • No priest
     • Bread and wine do not undergo any change
   • Emulates the Last Supper
     • Discipleship & community
   • Focus on the Bible
     • 'Do this in memory of me'
       • This is why they do it
   • Not at all central to worship

3. Eucharist

   • Anglican (CofE)
   • Means 'thanksgiving'
     • Gives thanks to God for Jesus' sacrifice for their salvation
   • Liturgical
     • Set pattern & words, eucharistic prayer
   • Constubstantiation
     • The substance of the body and blood of Jesus coexists with the substance of bread and wine
       • Doesn't transform into but shares an essence with Jesus' body and blood
   • Regularly practiced in the Church
     • Sense of community

4. The Mass

   • Roman Catholic church
   • Liturgical - set order with a priest
   • Transubstantiation
     • Transformed into the body and blood of Jesus Christ but keeps the appearance of bread and wine
   • Remembrance of sacrifice
     • Salvation & redemption
     • Spiritual food
   • Attended weekly but celebrated daily by the priest
     • Monastic tradition of 7 times a day