Eucharist Body of Christ Church nature structure The

Eucharist, Body of Christ, Church – nature & structure

The Eucharist • It is Jesus’ sacrifice that is remembered and represented • Christ’s sacrifice is eternally present to God. When it is re-enacted at mass, the past is made present again, and offered to God. • By the offering, at the consecration, Jesus becomes really present – his body and blood = Real Presence • So the Eucharist means thanksgiving – that we have a sacrifice to offer, which God accepts, and that Himself communicates Himself to us, in physical reality. Given – offered – received. The change in the bread/ wine = transubstantiation – it has become fully Jesus’ body and blood (The Real Presence). 1. Explain Catholic beliefs about the Eucharist (8) Using the key terms *What difference does it make for Catholics to receive the Eucharist? Why do Catholics reenact the sacrifice at Mass? (see pictures below)

If we are parts of “the body of Christ” • How do the parts get nourished? • How does one part relate to other parts? Degrees of importance? • What if it is sick? • What is its individual mission? collective mission? So how does receiving the Eucharist relate to this?

Explain the importance of receiving the Eucharist for Christians. (8 mks) What difference does receiving the Eucharist make? Explain St. Paul’s teaching on the Body of Christ. (8 mks) St Paul tells Christians that they become “the body of Christ” when they receive the Eucharist… As parts of his body, we become tasked with his mission – his mouth, hands and feet. We do works that Jesus did, in his human body. As parts of his body, we take part of his life story – of suffering, death and resurrection, whatever shape that takes for us As parts of his Body, we are mysteriously connected to other people, in a spiritual way = the Body of Christ. Our life reverberates & affects others, but so does our sin. As parts of his body, we need to continue to be nourished by his life, then our life too can be transformed, to praise God. If we don’t, our Christian life will wither and die – like a branch cut off from the vine

The nature of the Church – 4 marks • Universal • Inclusive • Has everything in it to be saved • Sanctified by the presence of Holy Spirit • Church sacraments and teachings • Faithful to the teachings of apostles • Peter and successors (the Bishops) are leaders • Follows one faith, in Jesus as the only saviour, in One triune God • Christians form one body of Christ Match the marks of the Church with what they mean. How does Mary reflect what the Church should be? 3 things.

Structure of the Church – interior/ exterior How do the features of the church reflect the mystery of salvation? (that Jesus saves us by his passion & resurrection)

The baptismal font is usually near the entrance of the church, as it represents the first sacrament of baptism, by which Christians become members of the Church. It also reminds Christians of Jesus’ promise in baptism, to give us eternal life and cleanse us from original sin. A holy water stoop by the door allows people to bless themselves with this baptismal water, as a sign of entering the presence of God, and of their baptism that brought them into the church. The altar is usually made of stone, and towards the front of the church. It is a sacrificial The crucifix is displayed near the altar and has altar (where Jesus is offered to the image of the crucified Christ on it, to remind God and to us, in the form of Christians of the price he paid to save them bread and wine). It is also a from sin and death. table – reminding believers that they are sharing in a meal, like The stations of the cross, 14 pictures showing the Last Supper. Jesus’ walk to the cross & death are shown along the walls. They may be a focus for prayer Draw a church for people on the suffering of Jesus to save us. The tabernacle is a box that is used to store consecrated hosts, and may be taken to the sick. It can be behind the altar, or in a side chapel. The tabernacle is a focus for prayer, as the Real Presence of Jesus is in the consecrated host. This is indicated by the Sanctuary Lamp, which is always lit, showing the presence of God. interior and label all the features. - Explain their importance for salvation There is a confessional usually along one wall, a dedicated, small box-like room, where people can confess their sins to a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, either face to face, or behind a partition, and reconcile with God.

Can a loving God send people to hell?