Funeral Arts National Board Practice Exam

What is the name given to the sanctified elements of Holy Communion?

1. Eucharist

2. Mass

3. Communion

4. Consecration

The correct answer is: Eucharist

The sanctified elements of Holy Communion are referred to as the Eucharist. This term originates from the Greek word "eucharistia," meaning "thanksgiving." In a liturgical context, the Eucharist encompasses both the bread and wine that believers hold to be transformed into the body and blood of Christ during the celebration of the sacrament. This belief in transubstantiation is integral to many Christian denominations, particularly within the Catholic Church, making the term especially significant in understanding the role and importance of this sacrament. While Mass also refers to the Eucharistic celebration, it encompasses the entire liturgical service, not just the elements themselves. Communion is a broader term that can denote the act of participating in this sacrament, and consecration refers specifically to the process of blessing the elements to transform them, rather than the elements themselves. Thus, the term Eucharist effectively captures the essence of what the sanctified elements represent in the context of Holy Communion.