What is it?
The Eucharist is the source and summit of the Christian life. In this sacrament, bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of consecration. It is the perpetual re-presentation of Christ's sacrifice on Calvary.
Theological Meaning
The Eucharist is not merely a symbol. By transubstantiation, the substance of bread and wine is wholly converted into the substance of Christ's Body and Blood, while the appearances (accidents) remain. This is the Real Presence — Jesus, fully present: Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.
How it's Celebrated
The Liturgy of the Word: Scriptures proclaimed and homily given
Preparation of the altar and gifts (offertory)
Eucharistic Prayer begins — Preface and Sanctus
Epiclesis: priest invokes the Holy Spirit over the gifts
Words of Institution: 'This is my Body... This is my Blood'
Consecration: transubstantiation occurs
Mysterium Fidei: 'The Mystery of Faith'
Lord's Prayer and Sign of Peace
Lamb of God (Agnus Dei) — breaking of the host
Communion distributed under both kinds