Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” is a ritual established by Jesus Christ during which bread and wine are blessed and consumed by his followers. In The Episcopal Church, it is commonly an element of a congregation’s weekly Sunday worship. It may also be celebrated on other occasions.

Eucharist is also called Holy Communion, the Lord’s Supper, and the Mass. In The Episcopal Church, all those who have been baptized (in any denomination), and are therefore part of the body of Christ, which is the church, are welcome to receive the bread and wine during Eucharist.

Participating in Eucharist is a joyful yet solemn act. Therefore, as the Book of Common Prayer reminds us, before taking communion, “we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people” (p. 859).