Sarah Mitchell
Communion is a Christian ritual that involves eating a piece of bread and drinking juice from a cup, which symbolise the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The practice is observed by Christians all over the world and is an important way to remember Christ's sacrifice and his gospel work. Communion services can be ornate or simple, traditional or modern, but the focus is always on the elements of bread and wine, which are usually distributed to the congregation during the service. The service may also include prayers, hymns, and readings from Scripture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To remember Christ and His gospel work, and to celebrate how He saved us. |
| Elements | Bread and juice/wine, which symbolise Christ's body and blood. |
| Participants | Those who have accepted Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. |
| Hymns/Songs | Hymns or songs are often sung during communion, as Jesus and his disciples did. |
| Scripture | Scripture readings are common during communion, to reflect on the meaning of the observance. |
| Prayer | Communion is a time for prayer and reflection, to acknowledge Christ's grace and love. |
| Distribution | Elements are distributed at the beginning, middle or end of the service, with care and reverence. |
| Service Leader | The service is usually led by a priest or bishop, but can also be led by a deacon, Reader or authorised lay person. |
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What You'll Learn
Communion service elements
Communion is a symbolic way to show devotion to Jesus and to remember his sacrifice. The bread and juice or wine symbolise Jesus's body and blood. The bread is broken, just as Christ's body was broken on the cross, and the juice or wine represents the blood he shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Communion services can be ornate or simple, traditional or modern, but the elements are always central. The elements should be fresh and distributed with care and reverence. There are various methods for distributing the elements. In large congregations, it is common to have two ushers for each cluster of rows, with one at each end to pass the plate efficiently. Small cups are the easiest way to distribute the wine or juice, and some churches use pre-filled plastic cups. If there is a large congregation, it is also possible to have participants remain seated and use small cups and plates to distribute the elements.
The service may include prayers, hymns, songs, and readings from Scripture. It is beneficial to remember the scriptural basis of communion and the words of Scripture. Communion should also involve personal reflection and an examination of one's relationship with the Lord and with others.
Communion is a time to celebrate and refocus on the mission Christ gave to us. It is a time to join with one another in unity and proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.
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The meaning of communion
Communion, also known as the Eucharist, is one of two sacraments instituted by Jesus, the other being baptism. It is a symbolic way to show that we belong to Jesus and to remember what He did for us. Communion is meant to be a personal yet shared experience. It is a regular remembrance and celebration of the Lord's Supper, the night Jesus was betrayed, and His sacrificial death.
The bread and wine (or juice) symbolise Jesus's body and blood given for us. The breaking and eating of the bread represent Christ's body being broken on the cross, and the drinking from the cup represents the shedding of Christ's blood, through which we are forgiven.
Communion is a time to reflect on our relationship with the Lord and with others. It is also a time to look forward to the promise of a future meal with Jesus in the coming kingdom, where believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation will gather to celebrate God's final work of salvation and restoration.
Communion is for those who have made the decision to accept Jesus as the forgiver of their sins and the leader of their lives. In the Roman Catholic Church, one must be in a "state of grace" to receive communion, meaning one has not committed any "mortal sins" since their last confession and is in good standing with the Church.
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Scripture and hymns
Scripture readings and hymns are an integral part of a Catholic communion service. Hymns and songs help worshippers to reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus and to feel closer to God.
Hymns can be played at various points during the service. Some churches play instrumental music during the observation of communion, and close the service with a hymn. Hymns can also be sung during the distribution of communion.
There are many hymns that are specifically about communion, such as "Are You Washed in the Blood?" by E.A. Hoffman, "I Am the Resurrection and the Life" by Ray Repp, and "One Bread, One Body" by Jesuit Father John Foley. "Remembrance" by Hillsong Worship is another popular choice, with words specifically about remembering the bread and cup as the body and blood of Jesus. "Carried to the Table" by Leeland is a modern hymn with beautiful lyrics about sharing a table with Jesus.
Hymns can also be chosen for their uplifting and unifying message, such as "One Bread, One Body", which emphasizes the message of 1 Corinthians 10:17: “Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf. ”
Scripture readings are also an important part of the service. One or two readings from Scripture precede the Gospel reading. The psalm or canticle follows the first reading, and other hymns and songs may be used between the readings. Scripture readings can also be projected on a screen during the passing of the elements while music plays softly.
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Preparing to lead communion
Preparing to lead a Catholic communion service involves several steps to ensure the service is meaningful and runs smoothly. Here are some key considerations for those preparing to lead communion:
Understanding the Meaning of Communion
Firstly, it is important to understand the significance of communion. As one of the two ordinances given by Jesus, it is observed by Christians to remember and reflect on Christ's sacrifice. The bread symbolises Christ's body, broken for us on the cross, and the juice or wine represents His blood, shed for the forgiveness of our sins.
Planning the Elements
Communion elements should be carefully chosen and prepared. Fresh bread and juice/wine are essential, and it is best to avoid branded products to maintain a reverent atmosphere. Communion wafers, bread, and juice can be used, with clear plastic cups designed for single-use communion being a popular choice for ease of distribution. Ensure you have enough elements for the congregation and consider how they will be distributed, whether passed along the rows or distributed at the front of the auditorium.
Scripture and Prayer
Communion is an opportunity to focus on Scripture and prayer. Select Scripture passages that are meaningful and relevant to the remembrance of Christ, such as Matthew 26:26-28 or Luke 22:19. Encourage prayer and personal reflection among the congregation, providing guidance on what to pray for, such as acknowledging God's grace, confessing sins, and praising God.
Atmosphere and Aesthetics
The atmosphere and aesthetics of the service should reflect the solemnity and beauty of the occasion. Consider using imagery such as crosses, depictions of Jesus, or meaningful words or colours to enhance the experience. Music and hymns can also be incorporated, as Jesus and his disciples sang a hymn, providing a fitting close to the service.
Leading the Congregation
Those leading the service should be aware of their role in guiding the congregation through the communion experience. This may involve saying opening greetings, blessings, and prayers, as well as breaking the consecrated bread. In some traditions, deacons or authorised lay persons may also have a role in leading certain parts of the service.
By following these preparatory steps, those leading Catholic communion services can create a meaningful and well-organised experience for the congregation to remember and celebrate Christ's sacrifice.
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Communion service logistics
Communion is a symbolic way to show devotion to Jesus and to remember his sacrifice. The bread and juice symbolise his body and blood. Communion services can vary in style, but the focus remains on the elements. The service may include hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and personal reflection.
Preparation
Communion services require some preparation. The elements should be fresh and not branded. Bread and juice are common, but some churches use wine. If using wine, consider whether you will use glass cups or plastic cups. Glass cups can create a more meaningful experience but require washing and careful storage. Plastic cups are more convenient, especially those that are pre-filled with juice and include a wafer in the lid. You will also need trays to pass the elements to the congregation.
Distribution
There are several ways to distribute the elements. One method is to have participants come to the front of the room to receive the bread and wine. Another option is to have ushers pass the elements to seated participants, row by row. If using this method, it is best to have two ushers per row, one at each end, and to pass one element at a time. Alternatively, you can give participants the bread and wine as they enter the room or have them at their seats before the service begins.
Atmosphere
To set the atmosphere, you can display imagery such as crosses, depictions of Jesus, or meaningful words. You can also use a motion background on screens to provide a pop of colour and texture without being distracting.
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Frequently asked questions
Typically, only priests and deacons are allowed to perform Communion services. However, in the absence of a priest, a deacon can conduct the service. In 2021, Pope Francis authorized women to serve as acolytes, who can also perform the service when the priest and deacon are absent.
Only baptized Catholics can receive Communion, but anyone may attend mass. To receive Communion, one must believe in the doctrine of transubstantiation, which means that the bread and wine are transformed into the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Christ.
If you wish to have the host handed to you, hold out your hands, left on top of right, and allow the priest to place it in your hand. You may then choose to receive the Blood of Christ by taking a small sip from the chalice. After receiving Communion, return to your seat and pray as you kneel.
While externally, a Communion service may look similar to a Mass, they are fundamentally different. A Mass is a sacrifice, specifically the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary, which is made present again. A Communion service lacks this sacrificial element and does not fulfill the obligation of attending Mass.
