The Episcopal Catholic Church in North America
Doctrinal Statement on The Holy Eucharist

Preamble

The Episcopal Catholic Church in North America professes the Holy Eucharist to be the sacramental heart of the Church’s life, the place where Christ’s people are gathered into the mystery of God’s redeeming love. In continuity with the faith of the ancient Church, we set forth the following doctrinal affirmations.

1. The Eucharist as the Communion of Heaven and Earth

We wholeheartedly confess that in the Holy Eucharist, heaven and earth are joined and time is gathered into eternity. In this sacred mystery, God and humanity meet in a communion that reconciles, restores, and unites us to the divine life. The Eucharist is a mystical participation in the eternal reality where God dwells and invites His people into fellowship with Him.

2. The True Presence of Jesus Christ

We affirm that Jesus Christ is truly and genuinely present to His people in the Eucharist. Through communion with Him, we are lifted into the living presence of God and drawn into the eternal fellowship of the Holy Trinity. Christ’s presence is not symbolic alone, nor merely remembered, but spiritually real, transformative, and life‑giving.

3. The Nature of the Eucharistic Mystery

We acknowledge that the mystery of the Eucharist is not defined by physical categories or material transformation, but by the spiritual reality of grace. In receiving the Sacrament, we participate in the self‑offering of Christ, the Lamb of God, who reconciles humanity to the Father and the Father to humanity.

At the institution of the Eucharist, Jesus prayed that we might be one with Him as He is one with the Father. Therefore, the Real Presence He grants us is the most profound form of presence, uniting us in actuality with the heavenly life of God through faith.

4. The Eucharist as Memorial and Divine Union

We affirm that the Eucharist is indeed a memorial of Christ’s saving work, yet far more than a remembrance alone. It is the sacred convergence of God’s divine and spiritual life with His people through the holy essence of the Son, Jesus Christ, made present by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this Sacrament, the Church participates in the once‑for‑all sacrifice of Christ, eternally alive before the Father.

5. The Spiritual Transcendence of Christ in the Sacrament

We proclaim that in the Eucharist, the holy and divine essence of Christ is made spiritually present and active among His people. This presence transcends earthly limitation while remaining intimately near, sanctifying the faithful and drawing them deeper into the life of God.

6. The Incorruptible Essence of Christ in the Elements

We affirm that it is not necessary for the consecrated elements to become corruptible flesh and blood. Rather, they are divinely filled with the incorruptible and holy essence of Jesus Christ in the fullness of His divine glory. The bread and wine become for us the spiritual Body and Blood of Christ, conveying His life, grace, and presence to all who receive in faith.

7. The Eucharist as the Center of Christian Worship

We profess that when the people of God gather as the Body of Christ, the Eucharist stands at the center of Christian worship. In this Sacrament, God reveals Himself, unites His Church, and nourishes His people with the life of Christ. The Eucharist is the Church’s continual participation in the mystery of redemption and the foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

Conclusion

In faith and devotion, the Episcopal Catholic Church in North America upholds the Holy Eucharist as the supreme act of Christian worship, the sacrament of unity, and the living presence of Christ among His people. We receive this mystery with reverence, thanksgiving, and joy, proclaiming its truth until Christ comes again in glory.

We wish to enter no argument or contention with any other body of believers, other Jurisdictions or ecclesia who may hold different belief. You are welcomed to believe what you wish.