Teaching Students About the Eucharist

Teaching Students About the Eucharist

As Ryan (2006) notes, one of the most important duties a religious educator has is to be an interpreter of the Catholic tradition (p. 170), for students. To teach this miracle of Faith, in an Australian Catholic primary school, the four things students should be taught to understand the Eucharist are: the Eucharist in scripture, the concept of transubstantiation, guidelines regarding receiving communion, and why communion should be taken frequently. The two things that should not be taught in this topic include how the Catholic Eucharistic tradition differs from other Christian faiths and controversies surrounding the Eucharist.

Teaching Students About the Eucharist

A significant part of the Catholic faith lies in the Eucharist. At Consecration of the Mass, transubstantiation occurs. It is in that moment that the bread and wine becomes the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. The original bread and wine no longer exists, although it still appears to look the same. It's not simply a representation of the Body and Blood of Christ, but in Catholicism it physically transforms into the actual holy substances.

As Ryan (2006) notes, one of the most important duties a religious educator has is to be an interpreter of the Catholic tradition (p. 170), for students. To teach this miracle of Faith, in an Australian Catholic primary school, the four things students should be taught to understand the Eucharist are: the Eucharist in scripture, the concept of transubstantiation, guidelines regarding receiving communion, and why communion should be taken frequently. The two things that should not be taught in this topic include how the Catholic Eucharistic tradition differs from other Christian faiths and controversies surrounding the Eucharist.

Four Things that Should be Taught Regarding the Eucharist:

Eisner (1985) surmises that there are three curricula that all schools teach -- the explicit, implicit and null curricula. The four things that should be taught explicitly to students in an Australian Catholic primary school, regarding the Eucharist, include: the Eucharist in scripture, the concept of transubstantiation, guidelines regarding receiving communion, and why communion should be taken frequently.

The amazing transformation that occurs with the Eucharist is something Jesus knew would require great faith of his followers, as Father Peffley (n.d.) notes. For this reason, transubstantiation is seen in earlier scripture. In the Book of Matthew, Jesus performs transubstantiation to multiply loaves and fishes. In the Book of John, Jesus even foretells the fact that he will be giving his flesh and blood as food and drink.

Of course, the actual tradition of the Holy Eucharist first came with the Last Supper. St. Matthew describes it as, "And whilst they were at supper, Jesus took bread, and blessed and broke: and gave to his disciples, and said: Take ye, and eat. This is my body. And taking the chalice, He gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this. For this is my blood of the new testament, which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins" (New Jerusalem Bible, Matt. 26: 26-28).

It is this scripture, the word of the Lord, that is the entire basis of the Eucharist tradition. Students need to fully understand this scripture to appreciate that this isn't a practice Man invented to display Faith, but instead is a mandate from Jesus. Looking at other areas of scripture where transubstantiation occurred also helps students see that this miracle has occurred in other instances.

This concept of transubstantiation is also an important item that must be taught to students. In this miraculous process, the bread and wine laid on the altar physically become the Body and Blood of Christ. Despite the fact that they retain the physical appearance of the original substances, these are now sacred as they are the entire form of Christ. Even the tiniest particle of consecrated Host or Wine is Christ (Peffley, n.d.). This understanding in students is critical, not only to understand the miracle of the Eucharist, but also for the students to understand the respect and reverence that should be given to the consecrated Host and Wine.

Of course, the guidelines regarding receiving Communion is another critical component of Eucharistic education. As Father Peffley (n.d.) states, "To receive Holy Communion worthily, one must be in the state of grace, that is, free of having committed a mortal sin that has not been confessed and absolved in the Sacrament of Penance." Communicants are also required to fast in preparation to receive Communion. Currently, this requirement is a fast of one hour prior to Communion of all food and drink other than water and medication. A longer fast of at least three hours, or from midnight, is preferred. Understanding the seriousness of these guidelines helps instill respect for taking Communion in students. This helps students understand that this isn't something that they just do at Mass without thought. Instead, they must prepare themselves physically and spiritually.

Lastly, students should be taught why Communion is taken so frequently. The Eucharist facilitates a union between Man and Christ. Through this lesson, students learn that Communion is a spiritually nourishing event, while also obeying the Lord's instructions to eat and drink His Body and Blood. Each time a communicant takes part in Holy Communion, this brings an increased level of sanctifying grace to their soul, as the recipient opens himself up to Christ and empties his soul of sin. Students learn through this that each Communion, the Lord's grace enables them to keep His commandments. As Father Peffley describes, the Eucharist as a means of reorienting the communicant toward Christ. This builds spiritual value in the tradition, for the student.

Two Items Not to Teach in Eucharist Education:

As Eisner (1985) notes, a student's educational experience is not only affected by what they are taught, but also by what isn't taught. The null curricula for religious education centering on the Eucharist should include how the Catholic Eucharistic tradition differs from other Christian faiths and controversies surrounding the Eucharist, such as the physical transformation of the Host and Wine vs. It simply being a representation of Christ. Both of these topics are important discussions to have; however, for primary school-aged children they are really not appropriate. At this age, the children should be focused on understanding the basics of the Eucharist, learning about the miracle of transubstantiation, and how to prepare themselves spiritually and physically to receive Communion. Education should also be focused on why the Catholic faith takes Communion and what a reverent tradition it is. In this way, students can build a respectful base of knowledge on the Eucharist tradition, in Catholicism. When they are older, and better able to discuss things in a more mature manner, than bringing in the differences of the Eucharist in other faith as well as religious controversies is far more appropriate.