This is the name given to the sacrament and sacrifice of the altar in which the body and blood of Jesus Christ are truly present under the form of bread and wine. There are three main components of our relationship with Christ in the Eucharist: the Sacrifice of the Mass, the Eucharist as a Sacrament, and the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. 

During the mass, the priest and Eucharistic ministers offer the Eucharist to the congregation. Through transubstantiation, the bread and wine become the body and blood of our Lord, Jesus Christ, that we may intimately receive him.

The Stations of the Cross can also be called the Way of the Cross. The Way has its origins in pilgrimages to Jerusalem; as early as the fifth century, chapels were erected at the sites Christ walked during his passion. In 1342 the Franciscans were granted the role of administering Christian Holy Places in Jerusalem. In the 15th and 16th centuries Franciscans began building outdoor shrines in Europe to duplicate those in the Holy Land. At first it was only Franciscan Priests who were allowed to erect stations either as outdoor shrines or in churches, but finally in the 19th century this privilege was extended to all bishops in the Church.

In almost all Catholic Churches fourteen images depicting scenes from Christ’s passion can be seen along the walls. They are placed in the nave to be meditated upon during The Way of the Cross. This is usually done on Fridays during Lent, but can be done individually at any time. If the stations are led by a priest, he processes from one depiction of Christ’s passion to the next, usually accompanied by a crucifix and candles. At each station he stops, praises the Lord, genuflects, and reads a scripture passage and possibly a meditation on the mystery. The congregation responds with an Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be.

The “First Friday” devotions began with St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) and a series of visions of Christ as she prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. He revealed to her his desire that the first Friday of each month be consecrated to the devotion to and adoration of his most Sacred Heart. From the overflowing mercy of Christ’s heart he promised to grant to all those who receive Communion on the First Fridays for nine consecutive months the grace of final repentance.

The devotions must be performed on the first Friday of nine consecutive months. On these days one is to go to confession, attend Mass and receive communion with the intention of reparations for sins committed against the Sacred Heart of Jesus. If a parish offers public devotions, one should go to them, but it is also possible to have a private devotion. Many parishes also offer a Holy Hour with Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; this is not necessary, but is encouraged.