What does Communion, as a sacrament, consist of?
Communion consists of the consecration of bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ for consumption by the faithful. (CCC 1333) For a valid and licit performance of the sacrament, a validly ordained priest (FCD 397) must consecrate wheaten bread and grape wine (CCL 924, #2, 3) with the words “this is my body” and “this is my blood” (FCD 392-393).This occurs during the celebration of Mass. The bread and the wine each become the body and blood of Jesus Christ. (CCC 1333) Since Christ is completely present in each of the species (FCD 385) it is not necessary for the faithful to receive both the wine and the host.
