Communion: Gr 6 - Gr 8

Objective: 

• What the Sacrament of Communion is.
• Why do we take Communion?
• How to properly prepare for Communion.
• The Eucharist as an offering of thanksgiving.
• The Biblical and theological foundations of the Eucharist.
• The spiritual benefits of Communion.

Bible Reading

Read: Matthew 26:26-28 and John 6:51-58
(Assign students to read aloud.)

Explain:

• The Eucharist is not just bread and wine; it truly becomes Jesus’ Body and Blood.
• This is a great mystery (sacrament) of the Church, given by Christ for our salvation.
• The Eucharist is also called the Holy Thanksgiving because we give thanks to God for His love.

Understanding the Eucharist 

A. The Real Presence of Christ

• Jesus tells us clearly, "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life."
• This means Communion is not just a symbol – we are spiritually and truly receiving Jesus.
• The Church has always taught that Communion is the true Body and Blood of Christ, not just a representation.

B. The Eucharist as Thanksgiving

• The word Eucharist means "Thanksgiving."
• Before giving His Body and Blood to the disciples, Jesus gave thanks to God.
• We, too, give thanks during the Divine Liturgy for receiving Christ.

C. The Institution of the Eucharist

• Jesus instituted this sacrament on Covenant Thursday before His crucifixion.
• The Eucharist fulfills the Jewish Passover, where Christ becomes our sacrificial lamb.
• The Eucharist is a continual remembrance and participation in Christ’s sacrifice.

D. How Communion Strengthens Us

Potential question: Ask: "How do food and drink help our bodies?" (Guide students to see that just as food gives physical strength, Communion gives spiritual strength.)

• It cleanses us from sin.
• It unites us with Christ and His Church.
• It provides eternal life (John 6:54, 58).
• It strengthens us against sin and temptation.

4. Preparing for Communion 

"What do we do before taking Communion?"

Key Points:

• Repentance and Confession: Before Communion, we must confess our sins.
• Fasting: We fast from food and drink for at least 9 hours before taking Communion.
• Reconciliation: We must be at peace with others, forgiving anyone we have a conflict with. (prayer of reconciliation reference too)
• Prayer and Thanksgiving: We should come to Liturgy with a heart full of gratitude.
• Understanding Worthiness: We must recognize our unworthiness and approach Communion with humility.

Consequences of Unworthy Communion 

• St. Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 11:27-30 that taking Communion unworthily can bring judgment.
• Many people in the early Church became sick or even died because they took Communion without reverence.
• The Church teaches that we must always prepare before approaching the Holy Eucharist.

Conclusion (5 min)

Summarize:

• The Eucharist is the true Body and Blood of Christ, given for our salvation.
• It is a mystery and a great gift from God.
• We must prepare ourselves through confession, fasting, reconciliation, and thanksgiving.
• Communion is not just a routine practice—it is the spiritual nourishment that sustains us in our Christian life.

Closing Reflection: "How can I prepare myself better for Communion?"