Instructions: This page contains key words/themes for thinking about the meaning of Holy Communion in our lives and in the community of Jesus, the church. Start by reflecting on the questions under each key word, in the first section, which focus on daily-down-to-earth life experiences. When you get to the last section, connect the meaning of these key words directly with the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

HOLY COMMUNION IS…

Remembering

Is there one relative or friend who is really good at remembering your birthday?

What does that mean to you?

Why is that important?

Giving Thanks

Where do you go for Thanksgiving Day meal?

Why do you go there?

What is good about being in that place for Thanksgiving?

Confessing

If someone does something wrong to you, or hurts you, does it make a difference if they come to you and admit that they were wrong and say they are sorry?

Why does their confession make a difference?

What happens in a relationship if there is hurt and there is no confession?

Receiving Forgiveness

Have you ever done something to disobey your parents?

Did your parent(s) forgive you?

If yes, what did that mean to you?

If no, what did that mean to you?

Growing

What would you say is your favorite meal your mother or father prepared?

How many nourishing meals have you eaten in the home where you grew up, or, where you are growing up now?

Joyful Celebrating

What holiday meal is the most joyful in your family?

What is it that makes that holiday meal so joyful?

Being Together

Does it matter who you eat with at school lunchtime? (Or, did it matter who you ate with when you were in school?)

Who do you like to get together with now when you go out to eat?

Telling

Who is the best storyteller in your family when you are sitting around the table together for a meal?

What makes their stories so good to listen to?

Being Strengthened to Serve

Would you rather wash dishes and clean up after a meal all alone or with the help of others?

Who do you think is the best helper in your family?

A time to think about the future…

What are you most looking forward to right now?

What difference does it make that you have something to look forward to?

In this last section, connect the meaning of these key words above directly with the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Holy Communion is remembering…

Jesus said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” We remember Jesus’ life, death and resurrection – all that he has done for us. Holy Communion is the body and blood of Jesus.

Holy Communion is Giving Thanks…

When we remember what Jesus has done for us, we can hardly help but thank him. One of the names for Holy Communion is Eucharist, which means “thanksgiving.”

Holy Communion is Confessing…

We confess or admit that we are sinful - that we have done things to separate ourselves from God and from others – and that our sins made it necessary for Jesus to die.

Holy Communion is Receiving Forgiveness…

Jesus said, “Drink of it, all of you. This cup is my blood which is shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” By inviting us to eat and drink, we are able to taste and see that Jesus’ suffering and death were for us, for our forgiveness.

Holy Communion is Growing…

We eat food to grow. As we eat at the communion table, Jesus comes to us to help us to grow stronger in faith, hope and love.

Holy Communion is Joyful Celebrating…

In communion we celebrate with joy the new life that Jesus gives to us.

Holy Communion is Being Together…

That’s what “communion” means. We’re together with Jesus in a mysterious and real way. And, we’re together with the other followers of Jesus who receive the same gifts from him. Jesus brings unity to our relationships.

Holy Communion is Telling…

By taking part in the Holy Communion meal, we are telling each other and everyone around that we believe in Jesus and that we love him.

Holy Communion is Being Strengthened to Serve…

God doesn’t give us gifts simply for our own personal enjoyment. He wants us to use them in helping others. When we go to Communion, he strengthens us so that we may better serve other people for him.

Holy Communion is a time to think about the future…

Jesus often spoke of heaven as a great feast. As we enjoy this meal with him now, we look forward to the time we will be enjoying his presence forever in heaven.