What exactly is the Eucharist?
The Eucharist is the Sacrament in which we receive the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. Actually, the term "Eucharist," which is a word meaning "thanksgiving," can be used to describe the bread and wine that have been transformed (or, in fancier and more precise terms, "transubstantiated") into the Body and Blood of Jesus or the whole Mass during which that miraculous transformation takes place. Either way, the roots of this Sacrament are found in the Jewish Passover meal and, specifically, in the Last Supper meal that Jesus shared with his disciples before his death and resurrection. In that meal and at the Eucharist today, the words of Jesus tell us that He is truly present in the bread and wine that have been specially consecrated. Although the bread and wine still look and taste like bread and wine, the substance, what is really there, has changed.
But what actually happens?
We have the chance to experience the Eucharist whenever we come to church for Mass. It is this wonderful experience in which, along with praying, singing, and hearing the Word of God, we have that opportunity to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. One especially powerful and meaningful moment in someone's life, though, is the first time he or she has the chance to receive the Eucharist. We often call this First Holy Communion, and we spend months or years preparing for such a special day. On the face of it, that day and that moment are quite simple. A person goes up, gets a thin piece of bread from the priest, deacon, or minister, and eats it. Those who believe and understand what's really going on, however, know how special and significant that moment really is.
And finally, for some more insight into what the Eucharist is all about, please check out the video below: