What does “Real Presence” mean?

The phrase is defined in the Catechism of the Catholic Church as follows: “The unique, true presence of Christ in the Eucharist under the species or appearances of bread and wine. The Church invites the faithful to deepen their faith in the real presence of Christ through adoration and communion at the Eucharistic liturgy, and through adoration outside its celebration.”

Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is really Jesus. You are not receiving a symbol but truly Our Lord.

What does “Amen” mean?

The Catechism’s glossary defines "Amen" in this way: A Hebrew word meaning “truly; it is so; let it be done,” signifying agreement with what has been said...” When the priest or deacon or Extraordinary Minister says, “Body of Christ,” we respond “Amen!” to affirm our belief that Yes! This is the Body of Christ! I affirm that I am receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. No other response is permitted. If you don’t believe that Holy Communion (the Eucharist) is really Jesus, please refrain from receiving.

You are not receiving a symbol but truly Our Lord.

Why is Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament encouraged?

For a relationship to be strong, you must spend time together. The faithful are encouraged to spend time with Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. You will notice that the large consecrated host is displayed in a gold container called a monstrance. The monstrance resembles sunbeams. Did you ever spend a great deal of time in the sun and then noticed later a change in your skin? You may not have been aware of the sun’s work on your skin but a change definitely happened. Spend time with the Son and He will change you! Even if you only have a few minutes, stop in to visit Him who loves you so much. You may want to bring spiritual reading with you or a rosary or other prayer aid. However, be sure to also sit quietly and let Jesus speak to your heart. For a healthy relationship, you need to listen as well as speak!

“When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour?” -Matthew 26:40

Why does the priest or deacon cover his hands while blessing us with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament?

Christ is truly present in the Blessed Sacrament. During Benediction (the blessing of Christ), the priest will cover his hands with a humeral veil when he raises Jesus in the monstrance. This is done so it is very clear that it is Jesus who is blessing His people, not the priest. We see our pirests bless us often so it would be logical for us to say "Father Mark or Father William or Father Michael gave us his blessing." With the hands of the priest hidden, it becomes more obvious that Christ Himself blesses those present.
 

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How long are we required to fast before receiving Holy Communion?

Catholics are asked to fast one hour before receiving Jesus in Holy Communion. Water and medications are permissible. Gum, mints, coffee, tea, juice, food and so forth break the fast. The fast helps us to focus on the heavenly food we are about to receive—the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus in the Eucharist. It’s a small sacrifice which can reap great spiritual benefits!

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What does the word “Eucharist” mean?

In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1328 reads, “Eucharist ... is an action of thanksgiving to God. The Greek words eucharistein and eulogein recall the Jewish blessings that proclaim—especially during a meal— God’s works: creation, redemption and sanctification.” Eucharist (thanksgiving) may also be called Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, and the Breaking of the Bread. As Christ gave thanks to the Father at the Last Supper, we, too, should give thanks for this Heavenly Bread, the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. Take a few moments after Mass to thank Him for this precious gift.

Why does it matter if I leave Church right after I receive Holy Communion?

“The Eucharistic presence of Christ begins at the moment of consecration and endures as long as the Eucharistic species subsist.” Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1377. You are receiving Jesus Himself in the Eucharist. His Presence dwells within you until the host is broken down in your body (at least 10-15 minutes). What amazing intimacy with Our Lord! St. Philip Neri had Altar Servers follow a person leaving right after Communion with lit candles! He made a beautiful point that you actually become a living tabernacle when you receive Jesus. Imagine for a moment that you gave someone you love a beautiful gift, especially picked out for that person. Now imagine the person sets it aside and never opens it. You have just received the most beautiful gift of all. Take time to “open” that gift and thank the Lord! On the practical side, folks leaving Mass early distract others and downplay the importance of what has happened. If you do need to leave early because of illness, care of a loved one, work or some other serious reason, that should be an exception, not your weekly practice. Would you leave early if you were meeting with a famous athlete, celebrity, politician or other person you admired? This is Christ the King who above all loves and desires (and deserves!) this time with you.

Can receiving Holy Communion make a difference in my life?

The short answer is YES! Yes, that is, if you prepared for worthy reception. This includes conveying the respect due Our Lord, observing the 1 hour fast before receiving and, most importantly, are in a state of grace (meaning that you have not committed a mortal or grave sin or have received the sacrament of Reconciliation before receiving). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraphs 1391-1398, the Eucharist strengthens our union with Christ and His Church, preserves and increases and renews the graces of our baptism, strengthens our charity, wipes away venial (minor) sins, helps us refuse to commit mortal sins, and commits us to the poor. If you are aware of mortal (deadly) sins in your life, we urge you to go to confession and do everything necessary to break free of such sins. Without doing so or by justifying your sins, you are not able to receive all Jesus wants to give you in Holy Communion. Let Our Lord love you and be close to you. No sin on earth can come close to what He wants to give you!

O Sacrament Most Holy!
O Sacrament Divine!
All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment thine!

Why are the bells rung during the Eucharistic Prayer?

Bells are rung at 3 points during the Eucharistic prayer: the epiclesis, the consecration of the Body of Christ and of the Blood of Christ. When the Mass was in Latin everywhere, the bells helped the faithful know that something extra amazing was happening. First, our attention is drawn to the epiclesis which is when the priest extends his hands over our offering of bread and wine on the altar and prays for the Holy Spirit to descend upon these offerings to transform them into the Body and Blood of Christ. In paragraph 1353 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, we read “In the epiclesis, the church asks the Father to send His Holy Spirit (or the power of his blessing) on the bread and wine, so that by his power they may become the body and blood of Jesus Christ…In the institution narrative, the power of the words and the action of Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit, make sacramentally present under the species of bread and wine Christ’s body and blood, his sacrifice offered on the cross once for all.” The bells ring as the Body of Christ is raised to the Father and as the Blood of Christ is raised to the Father. We become distracted so easily and the bells pull us back to the miracle happening in front of us, ordinary bread and wine becoming the Body and Blood of Our Savior. This is truly Christ, Our Lord.