What is the Sacrament of the Eucharist?

The Eucharist is one of the Sacraments of Initiation (along with baptism and confirmation). Often called 'communion,' the Eucharist is the very source of our entire lives as Catholics. We say that because the Eucharist really is the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. This is not just a symbol. In the Sacrament, the very essence or substance of the bread and wine is completely changed. Because the Eucharist is Christ Himself, we say that the Eucharist is "the source and summit" of the Christian life.