At Our Lady Star of the Sea Parish, Juba, the Holy Eucharist Mass is considered the most important and highest form of prayer. 

The Eucharist, also known as Holy Communion, is one of the central sacraments of the Catholic Church and holds a place of great importance in Catholic faith and worship. It is the sacrament in which Catholics believe that the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, a mystery known as Transubstantiation.

Meaning and Significance

1. Real Presence of Christ
   As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist—body, blood, soul, and divinity. This belief is based on Jesus’ words at the Last Supper: “This is my body… this is my blood” (Matthew 26:26-28). Through the Eucharist, Catholics experience the real and living presence of Christ.

2. Memorial of the Last Supper
   The Eucharist commemorates the Last Supper, when Jesus shared bread and wine with his apostles, instructing them to “do this in memory of me” (Luke 22:19). Each time the Eucharist is celebrated at Mass, the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross is made present again in a non-bloody manner.

3. Sacrament of Unity
   Receiving the Eucharist brings Catholics into deeper communion with Christ and with one another. It unites the faithful as one body, the Church, under Christ as the head. The Eucharist is often referred to as the “Sacrament of Unity.”

4. Source and Summit of Christian Life
   The Eucharist is considered the “source and summit” of the Christian life, meaning that everything in the life of a Catholic flows from and leads back to the Eucharist. It is the highest form of prayer and worship in the Church.

The Celebration of the Eucharist

• The Mass
  The Eucharist is celebrated during the Mass, the central act of Catholic worship. The Mass consists of two main parts: the Liturgy of the Word (readings from Scripture and homily) and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the consecration of the bread and wine and the distribution of Communion).

• Consecration
  During the Mass, the priest, acting in the person of Christ, recites the words of institution from the Last Supper. At this moment, Catholics believe that the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, though they retain the appearance of bread and wine.

Receiving the Eucharist

1. State of Grace
   Catholics are encouraged to receive the Eucharist only if they are in a state of grace, meaning they have no serious sin (mortal sin) on their conscience. If someone has committed a grave sin, they must first receive the sacrament of reconciliation (confession).

2. Frequency
   Catholics are required to receive the Eucharist at least once a year during the Easter season but are encouraged to receive it more frequently, even daily, if possible.

3. Preparation
   Fasting for at least one hour before receiving the Eucharist is part of preparing for Communion, reflecting reverence for the sacrament.

Effects of the Eucharist

1. Spiritual Nourishment
   The Eucharist strengthens and nourishes the soul, helping Catholics grow closer to Christ and become more like Him.

2. Forgiveness of Venial Sins
   Receiving the Eucharist wipes away venial sins, giving the recipient the grace to avoid sin in the future.

3. Strength for the Christian Journey
   Just as food sustains the body, the Eucharist sustains the soul and gives the grace needed to live a life of holiness and service.

Eucharistic Adoration

In addition to receiving the Eucharist at Mass, Catholics also practice Eucharistic Adoration, where the consecrated host (the Body of Christ) is placed in a monstrance for silent prayer and adoration. This devotion allows the faithful to spend time in the presence of Christ outside of Mass.

For more details, please reach out to the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Dr. Titus Imojime via email at fatherimojime@gmail.com or by phone at +232 34 476 224 / +232 74 868 899.