A church is central to the Christian faith, and it is where the community comes together to worship and praise God.
The church is:
the place of worship for all Christians
where the community gathers
where works of charity are carried out
a place of healing
And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
— Hebrews 10:24-25
For many Catholics, gathering together as a community for worship is key. This practice is based on the Gospel of Matthew. Jesus taught that when people gathered together to worship him, then he would be present. The belief is that this offers proof that Jesus is truly present in the Mass.
For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.
— Matthew 18:20
Eucharist
Each time Catholics celebrate the Mass, they receive the Eucharist. The belief is that it is the body and blood of Christ and that the bread and wine truly become the body and blood of Christ through transubstantiation. For Catholics, the Eucharist is the source and summit of Christian life, therefore that expands to the Mass and the church.