Lord's Supper
The ritual of sharing bread and wine (or juice) in memory of Jesus' last meal with His disciples. The name, the meaning, and who may take it vary by tradition.
What they actually mean
“"The bread-and-cup ritual. Every church does it; every church explains it a little differently."”
Heard in the wild
“We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of every month.”
“Only confirmed Catholics should come forward for the Eucharist; others are welcome to come for a blessing.”
The Lighter Side
No jokes about the bread and wine — this one's sacred everywhere. Logistically, though: some churches use tiny plastic cups, some use one big goblet, and some now use a sealed wafer-and-juice combo that takes four steps to open. Watch the person next to you.
The longer version
What it means
Communion re-enacts the last meal Jesus ate with His disciples before His death, when He broke bread and said "this is My body," and passed a cup and said "this is My blood." Christians eat a small piece of bread (or a wafer) and drink a sip of wine (or grape juice) in obedience to His instruction, "do this in remembrance of Me." Every Christian tradition does it; how often ranges from every service to four times a year.
What it means is where traditions differ, and the differences are old and serious. Catholics believe the bread and wine truly become Christ's body and blood. Orthodox say the same while declining to explain how. Lutherans believe Christ is genuinely present "in, with, and under" the bread and wine. Reformed Christians speak of a real spiritual presence received by faith. Many Baptists and evangelicals see it as a memorial — a symbolic act of remembering. All agree it's a meal Jesus commanded, shared by His people, pointing to His death.
Why people say it
For Christians this is the central act of worship, or close to it: the place where the whole gospel is made physical and put in your hands. Its many names each emphasize something — "communion" (sharing), "Eucharist" (thanksgiving), "the Lord's Supper" (His meal), "Mass" (the whole Catholic service around it). The care around who may take it reflects how seriously each tradition holds what it means.
How to respond
Find out the church's practice before deciding — the bulletin usually says, or ask an usher. If everyone is invited and you'd like to participate, go ahead; if you'd rather not, stay seated, and nobody will notice or mind. If the church restricts it, don't take it; going forward with arms crossed for a blessing is welcome in most Catholic and Anglican churches. Never take communion as a way of being polite.
If you hear it in different churches
Catholics call it the Eucharist or Mass, use unleavened wafers, and celebrate it daily. Orthodox use leavened bread and wine on a spoon in the Divine Liturgy, weekly. Anglicans and Lutherans say Holy Communion or Eucharist, usually weekly, and most welcome all baptized Christians. Presbyterians and Methodists say the Lord's Supper or communion, monthly or quarterly, with an open table. Baptists and non-denominational churches say communion or the Lord's Supper, often monthly, with grape juice and small individual cups.
Where does “Lord's Supper” come from?
Jesus instituted it at the Last Supper on the night before His crucifixion (Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22), and Paul passed on the tradition in 1 Corinthians 11, the earliest written account. The first Christians called it "the breaking of bread" (Acts 2:42). By the second century it was the center of Sunday worship, called the Eucharist. The Catholic doctrine of transubstantiation was defined in 1215; the Reformation of the 1500s produced the Lutheran, Reformed, and memorialist views, and the disagreement between Luther and Zwingli at Marburg in 1529 divided Protestantism permanently. Individual cups arrived in American Protestant churches around 1890, grape juice with the temperance movement, and the sealed combo cup during the 2020 pandemic.
Good to know
The most important thing for a visitor to know: some churches welcome everyone to take communion, and some restrict it to members of their tradition. Catholic, Orthodox, and some Lutheran and Baptist churches practice "closed communion." When in doubt, stay seated or go forward with arms crossed over your chest for a blessing; nobody will be offended.
You might also hear
Sacrament
Catholic & OrthodoxA ritual Christians believe carries God's grace through a physical sign — water, bread and wine, oil. Catholics and Orthodox count seven; most Protestants count two.
“"A church ritual where something physical carries something spiritual."”
Mass
Catholic & OrthodoxThe Catholic worship service, centered on the Eucharist — scripture readings, a homily, prayers, and communion, in a fixed order every time.
“"The Catholic Sunday service. Also Saturday evening. Also weekdays, if you're keen."”
Baptism
Worship & MusicThe water ceremony marking a person's entry into the Christian faith and the church. Some traditions baptize infants by sprinkling or pouring; others baptize believers by full immersion.
“"The water ritual that officially makes you part of the church."”
Maundy Thursday
Holidays & CalendarThe Thursday before Easter, remembering the Last Supper — when Jesus washed His disciples' feet, instituted communion, and gave the "new commandment" to love one another. It opens the three holiest days of the year.
“"The night before Good Friday: the Last Supper, foot washing, and a service that ends in silence."”
Go deeper on the network
Common questions
Can I take communion if I'm not a Christian?+
In most churches, no — it's a meal for believers — though many wouldn't stop you. It's better to stay seated or ask. Nobody will think less of you.
Why do some churches use wine and some juice?+
Wine is the historic practice. Many American Protestant churches switched to grape juice in the late 1800s under the temperance movement and never switched back.
Is it a symbol or is it really Jesus' body?+
Depends on the church. Catholics, Orthodox, and Lutherans say Christ is truly present; Reformed say spiritually present; many Baptists say it's a memorial. All say it matters.
Further reading
✝︎ Some links below are affiliate links. As a Logos Affiliate and Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure
Heard a word we haven't covered?
Suggest a term →Get the Word of the Day
One new Christianese term in your inbox each day — free, friendly, and always plain English.
Written by Rev. Christopher D.F. Warrington, Ordained Minister, M.Div. · Updated September 2026
This entry was compiled with AI assistance and has not yet been reviewed by an ordained pastor.