Why Do Catholics ...?

Why do Catholics call Communion the ‘Eucharist’?

The word “Eucharist” means “thanksgiving.”

As the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains, “The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all ‘thanksgiving’” (1360). 

Something fitting to remember — and thank God for — in time for Thanksgiving Day.

Have you always wondered about some aspect of the faith or Church teaching? Or maybe you’d like to know some trivia about Pope Francis or the saints. If so, email us your question at editor@ewtn.com and look for the answer in an upcoming issue.

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