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The Catechism of the New Apostolic Church
- Contents
- 8.2.1 Designations for the sacrament
- 8.2.2 Old Testament references to Holy Communion
- 8.2.3 Jesus' miracles of feeding and Holy Communion
- 8.2.4 The Passover meal
- 8.2.5 The institution of Holy Communion by Jesus Christ
- 8.2.6 Holy Communion in the first epistle to the Corinthians
- 8.2.7 The significance of bread and wine
- 8.2.8 Holy Communion as a meal of remembrance
- 8.2.9 Holy Communion as a meal of profession
- 8.2.10 Holy Communion as a meal of fellowship
- 8.2.11 Holy Communion as an eschatological meal
- 8.2.12 The real presence of the body and blood of Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.13 The real presence of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in Holy Communion
- 8.2.14 The relationship between forgiveness of sins and Holy Communion
- 8.2.15 Holy Communion and the Apostle ministry
- 8.2.16 The words of consecration in Holy Communion
- 8.2.17 The celebration and receiving of Holy Communion
- 8.2.18 The prerequisites for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.19 The manner in which Holy Communion is received
- 8.2.20 The effects of Holy Communion
- 8.2.21 Eligibility for partaking in Holy Communion
- 8.2.22 Communion celebrations of the churches
8.2.17 The celebration and receiving of Holy Communion
The sacrament of Holy Communion is administered by dispensing the body and blood of Jesus Christ in the consecrated wafer with the words: "The body and blood of Jesus given for you." Hence the designation "Holy Communion" is used primarily in reference to the consecrated and dispensed communion wafer (bread and wine as sacramental elements).
Since both the consecration of the communion wafer and its dispensation are part of the sacrament, the term "Holy Communion" is used, in the broader sense, as the designation for the complete act of consecration and dispensation (sacramental act).
Owing to its great importance, the congregation is called upon to celebrate Holy Communion in reverence, faith, and complete devotion to Christ.