Religious Education
THE SACREDNESS OF THE EUCHARIST
At last week’s Confirmation Mass, during the distribution of Holy Communion, a consecrated Host accidentally fell onto the floor. Marjory Nicholas, the head sacristan and Father Justin both acted swiftly and reverently, with Father Justin immediately picking up the Host and consuming it. For those unfamiliar with Catholic practice, this response may have seemed surprising. Why was it so important that the Host was picked up immediately?
The answer lies at the very heart of our Catholic faith.
The consecrated Host is not simply a blessed piece of bread. Through the consecration at Mass, Catholics believe that Jesus Christ is truly present in the Eucharist — Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. While the appearance of the Host remains that of bread, its substance has been changed into the Body of Christ. This is why we treat the Eucharist with such profound reverence.
The Church’s Code of Canon Law reminds us that the Eucharist is the “Most Holy” Sacrament and teaches that Christ Himself is present in it. It calls Catholics to hold the Eucharist in the highest honour and to worship it with the greatest reverence.
The Church even has specific instructions for what should happen if a consecrated Host or a particle of the Host accidentally falls. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal states: “If a host or any particle should fall, it is to be picked up reverently.”
This is why Father Justin acted so quickly. The Host was not simply something that had fallen on the floor; it was the Blessed Sacrament. Once it had been reverently retrieved, consuming it was an appropriate way of ensuring that the Eucharist was treated with the dignity and respect that it deserves.
The Church also provides guidance for other situations. For example, if the Precious Blood were accidentally spilled, the area is carefully washed with water and that water is then poured into the sacrarium - a special sink or basin in a Catholic church, usually located in the sacristy, that drains directly into the ground rather than into the normal sewer system. The Church also instructs priests and ministers to take care that even tiny particles of the consecrated Host are gathered reverently.
Accidents can, of course, happen. Someone may accidentally drop a Host, spill the Precious Blood, or have difficulty receiving Holy Communion. These moments should never cause embarrassment or panic. What is important is that we respond calmly and reverently, remembering what Catholics believe is truly present before us.
This incident provides us with a wonderful opportunity to remind our children — and perhaps ourselves — about the great gift we receive at Mass. When we approach the altar and hear the words “The Body of Christ,” we are not simply being given a symbol or a reminder of Jesus. We are receiving Christ Himself.
Next week we will celebrate our end of Term Mass with a special focus on fathers and father figures in the lead up to Father's Day. It is an ideal time to pause for a moment and remember the extraordinary mystery of what is taking place. When receiving Holy Communion we bow, respond “Amen,” and receive with reverence because we believe that Jesus is truly present among us. The Eucharist is at the heart of our Catholic faith. May we always approach Jesus with grateful hearts, reverence and love.
Kathryn Ady
Religious Education Leader