?In an essay of 3000 words, identify and describe three key periods in the history of the Church and analyze their significance for teaching religious education. Make reference to a specific religious education unit or module in your answer. Most of your references should be published books, e-books and journal articles. Website use should be kept to a minimum and should be from recognized institutions or organizations, e.g. Catholic education offices, dioceses, universities. 60%, 3000 words
            
             The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is integral to the dual role of Catholic Education - in teaching religion and in applying the religious life of the school. The Eucharist is "the source and summit of the Christian life" (CCC 1324), drawing together and nourishing the many facets and dimensions of Catholic Christian faith. It must be placed at the heart of Catholic teaching and action. Hence, in the newly published Australian Religion Curriculum, the teaching of the Eucharist among year 10 learners is strongly stated: "[Learners] examine the Eucharist as the primary and indispensable source of nourishment for the spiritual life of believers, sent to carry on Jesus' mission in the world" (Brisbane Catholic Education, 2013). The best way to explore and learn the sacrament of the Eucharist is to study its historical developments alongside the developments in the history of the church. A closer look at three significant periods in the history of the church could provide a glimpse of the changes and continuities that surround the Mass. The three periods in focus in this paper are: the Middle Ages, the Reformation and the Council of Trent and the Second Vatican Council.
            
             The Relevance of the Unit on The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist
             The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is a rich liturgical celebration within the Catholic tradition that relate to the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ by which the gift of Salvati...