The Eucharist (from the Greek eucharistia, "thanksgiving") is the sacrament of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, in which He is present under the forms of bread and wine. In the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself in the Sacrifice of the Mass and gives Himself as spiritual food to the faithful. The appointed words of consecration must be used by a priest in order for the change known as "transubstantiation" to take place, in which the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ.
The reception of the Blessed Eucharist for the first time in a child's life is a wonderful moment. Family, catechists, priests and community all contribute to preparing the child to enter this new phase of an ever-deepening communion with Christ.
On this webpage can be found resources to support the parish programme of preparation for both parents and children as well as material to give catechists a deeper understanding of the Eucharist.
Essential Guide to the Eucharist can be found here
