Next Sunday Theology Talk on the Eucharist

The Eucharist as Meal and Sacrifice: How Do These Fit Together?


Dear friends,

Next Sunday, December 7, we continue our new Theology series, “The Theology of the Eucharist: Worship That Makes Us Whole” which invites us to enter more deeply into the meaning of the Eucharist, so that we may participate in it with renewed faith, understanding, and joy.

Title of the talk:
The Eucharist as Meal and Sacrifice: How Do These Fit Together?

The Eucharist is a meal that becomes a sacrifice because, in sharing it, we are drawn into Christ’s loving gift of himself. As we gather around one table and give thanks, we’re united with him and with one another. This shared meal is where our thanksgiving becomes offering, and where we are made one. .

  • The Sunday Theology Talks take place in the Parish House, Fifth Floor room, 10:00 to 10:45 am. Please arrive by 9:45 am.
  • The talks are offered both in person and online, and will be video-recorded.
  • The YouTube link and the handout will be available HERE.

You can download the brochure with the Theological Education Program 2025-26 HERE

I look forward to welcoming you and sharing these rich conversations together.

All blessings,

Fr. Luigi Gioia

Theologian In Residence

The Theology of the Eucharist: Worship That Makes Us Whole

1. Eucharist, Holy Sacrifice, Mass, Divine Liturgy: What’s in a Name? (October 26)
Names we give to the Eucharist shape the way we welcome God’s healing, presence, and fellowship.

 

  1. The Words of Institution (Consecration): Are They Magical? (November 2)
    Jesus’ words “This is my body” make sense if we become aware of the many ways Jesus is present in our celebrations.

 

  1. The Invocation of the Holy Spirit (Epiclesis): The Eucharist’s Forgotten Act? (November 9)
    The Holy Spirit is called to sanctify bread, wine, and the community.

 

  1. The Great Thanksgiving (Doxology): What Does the Eucharist Have to Do with Praise? (November 16)
    The Eucharistic turns everything into praise and thanksgiving to the Father.

 

  1. “Do This in Memory of Me” (Memorial): Are We Remembering or Re-Living? (November 30)
    The Eucharist is more than remembrance – it unites us to Jesus’ death and resurrection, until he comes again.

 

  1. The Eucharist as Meal and Sacrifice: How Do These Fit Together? (December 7)
    We become a sacrifice to God by being united in one body through the sharing of one bread.

 

  1. One Bread, One Body (Communion): How United Do We Really Become?  (December 14)
    The Eucharist heals us from division and isolation by calling us into fellowship with each other and with God.

 

  1. “Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord” (Mission): How Does the Eucharist Shape Our Lives? (December 21)
    The Eucharist blends into everyday life as God sends us out to love, serve, and be his witnesses to the world.-