Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion,
is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the Real Presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God.

The video below from BustedHalo answers questions like...

• What happens to the bread and wine during Mass?
• During Mass, aren't we just reenacting the Last Supper?
• I can't receive Communion because I've sinned and need Confession... right?
• What if I can't consume the host because it isn't gluten-free, or what if I can't drink alcohol?
• Why can't my non-Catholic friends receive Communion when they come to Mass?

Many Christian congregations share bread, wine, or grape juice as part of a communion service, recalling the Last Supper of Jesus. Sharing communion in this way is a sign of gathering together in faith. These faith traditions may appear similar to our Roman Catholic service, but our belief about Communion is different.

For Roman Catholics, we believe that Jesus Christ makes himself present to us in the form of bread and wine. This we call "Eucharist" (YOO-kah-rist) or "Communion". We receive Jesus Christ - body, blood, soul, and divinity - when we receive Communion during the celebration of Mass. Our actions reflect this belief... before we receive Communion, we make a small bow in honor of and respect for Jesus Christ. After we return to our seats, we kneel in respectful adoration of Christ's presence and sacrifice while praying silently.

“Communion” in this sense means the “communion between Jesus and the recipient of the Eucharist". “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word for thanksgiving. Actually the entire Mass can be called “Eucharist” because throughout the Mass, we remember the words and actions of Jesus and give thanks as He did by eating and drinking bread and wine; however, now this bread and wine IS the “Eucharist” - the true Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, who is really and substantially present. By receiving Eucharist, we ask Jesus to transform our hearts, minds, souls, and bodies to do His will; and, we are called to go forth and be Eucharist to each other and the world.