“The Eucharist is “the source and summit of the Christian life.”
-Catechism of the Catholic Church 1324
Explanation of the Mass
The Celebration of the Eucharist is the center of the life of the Catholic Church. Offered nearly every day of the year, the Mass is Catholicism’s primary and most important prayer.
To receive the Eucharist at Mass, you must be free from any mortal sins
1457 According to the Church’s command, “after having attained the age of discretion, each of the faithful is bound by an obligation faithfully to confess serious sins at least once a year.” Anyone who is aware of having committed a mortal sin must not receive Holy Communion, even if he experiences deep contrition, without having first received sacramental absolution, unless he has a grave reason for receiving Communion and there is no possibility of going to confession. Children must go to the sacrament of Penance before receiving Holy Communion for the first time.
Catechism of the Catholic Church
Additional Resources
Bishop Barron on Catholics Misunderstanding the Eucharist
Why Am I Catholic? The Eucharist
Questions and Answers on the U.S. Bishops’ Vote to Draft a Document on the Meaning of the Eucharist in the Life of the Church
Visit the Diocese of Venice’s Page on Holy Communion
More information on the Liturgy of the Eucharist in the Mass