The Holy Eucharist is the action of thanksgiving to God from the Greek words eucharistein and eulogein which recalls Jewish blessings proclaimed; especially during a meal, of God's works: creation, redemption, and sanctification.

At the Last Supper, Jesus instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This is a sacrament of love, a sign of unity, a bond of charity in which Christ is consumed, we are filled with grace, and a pledge of future glory is given to us.

Catholics receive the Holy Communion to augment our union with Christ. Receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Jesus. "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him." Life in Christ has its foundation in the Eucharistic banquet: "As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats me will live because of me."

Taken from the expression of breaking bread at the Last Supper, Jesus is recognised after his Resurrection through this rite and Christians use this to designate Eucharistic assemblies and signify that all who eat the broken bread, Christ, enter into communion with him and form one body in him.