Eucharistic Theologies Summarised - Roman Catholic Church

Roman Catholic Church

• Transubstantiation as a statement of what is changed when the bread and wine are consecrated, not an explanation of the means or mode by which the Real Presence is effected, since "he signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ."
• Christ is really (not just in sign or symbol), truly (not just subjectively or metaphorically) and substantially (not just in his power) present in the Eucharist.
• Because the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is indeed real, not merely figurative or virtual, Eucharistic adoration (adoration of the Eucharist as the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ) is practised.
• The Eucharist is a sacrifice in that it re-presents (makes present again) the sacrifice of the cross. The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice. Christ, of course, is not sacrificed again because the Cross cannot be repeated. The Mass is a liturgical representation of a sacrifice that makes present what it represents through the action of God in an unbloody manner.
• Theological development: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Saint Justin Martyr, the first writer to describe the celebration in Rome of the Eucharist, Saint Ambrose, Saint Thomas Aquinas, the Council of Trent.
• Closed communion, admitting Christians not in full communion with the Church only in the circumstances indicated in the Code of Canon Law, canon 144 §§3-4 and the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, canon 671 §§3-4
• Frequency and conditions: All Catholics are obliged to attend celebration of the Eucharist at least on every Sunday and on other days known as holy days of obligation. Priests are highly encouraged to celebrate the Eucharist daily, and the laity are likewise highly recommended to communicate daily. Catholics are obliged to receive Holy Communion at least once a year (at Easter time). While they are free to attend Mass without conditions, they may receive Holy Communion only if they are in a state of grace (free from unconfessed mortal sin, which destroys the supernatural life of charity within the soul) and if they observe the prescribed pre-Communion fast, which for Latin Rite Catholics is one hour before the reception of Holy Communion. Priests celebrating the Eucharist are bound by the same rules.