Religious Education

It was a lovely way to end the last Sunday of the term by celebrating the Sacrament of First Eucharist. The year 4 students were very eager to try the Holy host for the first time and complete the second sacrament of initiation.  I enjoyed seeing the extended families support their loved ones in this special way and be part of their faith journey.

The rite originates directly from Jesus Last Supper during the Jewish passover.  Taking bread and wine, Jesus gave his disciples the command, do this in memory of me, thus establishing a living sign between the new covenant between God and humanity. 

The Early Communities.

In the early communities, Christians gathered specifically on Sunday, the day of the resurrection, “to break Bread.”

The Middle Ages and Transubstantiation 

The medieval era saw a deepening of the doctrine of the real presence.

The Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 formally defined the term Transubstantiation:  the inner substance of the bread and wine transforms into the Body and Blood of Christ, while retaining the external form, colour and tast. 

Modern and Contemporary Era

The Second Vatican Council placed the Eucharist at the center as the source and summit of all Christian life.  

Today, the focus is on how the Church comes together as one community and how this inspires people to share the love and kindness of Christ with others in the world.

I hope you have a wonderful break and enjoy the holidays.

Vicky Pejic

Religious Education Leader