The Holy Eucharist, also called Holy Communion, the Divine Liturgy, or the Mass, is the sacrament in which bread and wine are consecrated and received as the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving and sacrifice
The Eucharist commemorates and makes sacramentally present the saving death and resurrection of Christ. It is thanksgiving to the Father, the Church’s offering in union with Christ, and a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.
Communion
Reception of the Eucharist expresses union with Christ and ecclesial communion. Preparation traditionally includes prayer, repentance, reconciliation, and observance of the discipline established by the Church.