Body of Christ

The Church is the "Body of Christ." Through the Spirit and his action in the sacraments, above all the Eucharist, Christ, who once died and is now risen, establishes the community of believers as his own Body (CCC 787–789).

Head and Members

Christ is the Head of the Body, the Church. He is the principle of her creation and redemption. Between Christ and his Church, there is a profound organic unity: "For as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ" (CCC 790–792).

The Church as the Bride of Christ

The unity of Christ and the Church, head and members of one Body, also implies the distinction of the two within a personal relationship. This aspect is often expressed by the image of bridegroom and bride. Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her to make her holy (CCC 796).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the "Body of Christ" just a metaphor? No. The Church teaches that it is a "mystical" reality — a real communion of life between Christ and the baptized, especially realized in the reception of the Eucharist (CCC 787–791).

Does the Body of Christ include non-Catholics? The Church teaches that all who are validly baptized are incorporated into Christ and thus share in a real, though imperfect, communion with the Mystical Body (CCC 818).