Communion for non-catholics

[Spiderlashes]

I had my baby baptised in the RC church this past Sunday. My husband and his family are not RC. But the baptism coordinator said that it was perfectly OK for non-catholic Christians to take communion on that particular day -- so that all would feel welcome. Well, I thought that a bit odd.

But anyway, if all non-catholic Christians can take it, can RCs who are "unclean" (no confession, living in sin, etc.) take it, too? What about an nonbeliever/athiest who simply wants to experience a catholic mass in its totality?

BTW, mass was great, the homily, very inspirational. I was so glad that so many of my non-catholic friends/family got to experience that. Some had never been to a RC mass before -- they all said very positive things. But only one took communion.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I had my baby baptised in the RC church this past Sunday. My husband and his family are not RC. But the baptism coordinator said that it was perfectly OK for no-catholic Christians to take communion on that particular day -- so that all would feel welcome. Well, I thought that a bit odd.

Unfortunatley, that info is bogus. I would be tempted to send a letter to the pastor of that parish informing him of this. Actually I would be more than tempted, I would do it.

But anyway, if all non-catholic Christians can take it, can RCs who are "unclean" (no confession, living in sin, etc.) take it, too? What about an nonbeliever/athiest who simply wants to experience a catholic mass in its totality?

Non Catholics should never receive the Eucharist. Catholics in a state of mortal sin should not take it until they have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and are fully repentant.

BTW, mass was great, the homily, very inspirational. I was so glad that so many of my non-catholic friends/family got to experience that. Some had never been to a RC mass before -- they all said very positive things. But only one took communion.

That's good to hear. On both counts.

Michelle

 

[ZooMom]

No, that was wrong. I'm sorry you were told that. Those who are not 'in communion' with the Church, that is holding to what the Church teaches, especially regarding the Eucharist, and who are not in a state of Grace may not partake of the Eucharist. I'm glad that most of your non-Catholic family refrained from Communion. That was the right thing to do, unless they all wish to profess a Catholic faith?

Congrats, though, on your new child and his/her Baptism. God bless you all.

Peace be with you!

Sandy

 

[Alexis OCA]

Deleted.

 

[ZooMom]

Well, the 'Baptism coordinator' may not neccessarily be the Priest. I would hope that he wasn't.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I was thinking the same thing ZooMom. I didn't interpret this mean that it was necessarily the priest either.

Michelle

 

[Spiderlashes]

Right. The baptism coordinator is not a priest; she is a volunteer.

Actually, I feel very badly now, as I told our one communion-receiving non-catholic guest that it was OK for her to accept it.

I really ought to have known better, but I had asked the baptism coordinator if she was sure, and she assured me that it was OK. I feel like a complete idiot now. I should have investigated this further.

But the rules regarding the eurcharist have always been a bit hard for me to swallow (i have a few 'struggles' with the RC church, though I love it generally). I think maybe it was my subconscious attempt to get around that one.

I will mention this to the baptism coordinator. But I hate to "tattle" on her by going right to the director.

 

[Dream]

But the rules regarding the eurcharist have always been a bit hard for me to swallow

I hope you understand, Spiderlashes, that this has nothing to do with you being unworthy to recieve the Eucharist. It's just that you are not in full Communion with the Catholic Church.... yet!

Catholics who are in a state of a mortal sin are also not supposed to recieve the Eucharist because they are not in full Communion with the Church.

It has nothing do with a person being not good enough.

 

[Miss Shelby]

I will mention this to the baptism coordinator. But I hate to "tattle" on her by going right to the director.

I wouldn't look at it as tattling on her, I would look at it as doing it for her own good. If she's told your family this, chances are she's told many others the same info, and this isn't just a little thing. The pastor of the parish is probably the best one to address it with her. You can approach the pastor by telling him that you are reasonably concerned, but that you mean her no harm.

I have been in a situation where I as a lay person tried to explain a Church teaching to someone, and they wouldn't take my word for it. You could avoid all of that by just telling the pastor. But it's your call.

Michelle

 

[Spiderlashes]

I hope you understand, Spiderlashes, that this has nothing to do with you being unworthy to recieve the Eucharist. It's just that you are not in full Communion with the Catholic Church.... yet!

Yes, I know. (Not sure what you mean by "yet" though.) I understand that the eucharist means something different to a RC than it means to a Protestant. It is a symbol to the Protestant and the actual body/blood to a RC. I have accepted that point on FAITH alone. But it's still tough for me to really wrap my mind around. And I don't understand why that particular point (symbolic vs. actual body/blood) makes that much of a difference to RCs. The main thing, imo, is that it reminds us that Jesus died for our sins. I just could never understand why that difference was such a sticking point. And in a way, couldn't it be more of a semantic difference than an actual one?

And thanks for the well wishes on the baptism. It was really a lovely day. I'm so happy for my little girl -- just turned 3 months! I mean, the entire congregation prayed for her. And we (parents and godparents) promised to help her reject sin and teach her about God. I don't mean to be corny but it was very nice!

 

[Miss Shelby]

Yes, I know. (Not sure what you mean by "yet" though.) I understand that the eucharist means something different to a RC than it means to a Protestant. It is a symbol to the Protestant and the actual body/blood to a RC. I have accepted that point on FAITH alone. But it's still tough for me to really wrap my mind around. And I don't understand why that particular point (symbolic vs. actual body/blood) makes that much of a difference to RCs. The main thing, imo, is that it reminds us that Jesus died for our sins. I just could never understand why that difference was such a sticking point. And in a way, couldn't it be more of a semantic difference than an actual one?

There is a real difference in the teachings, but give yourself time. I'm sure God will work with you at your own pace.

And thanks for the well wishes on the baptism. It was really a lovely day. I'm so happy for my little girl -- just turned 3 months! I mean, the entire congregation prayed for her. And we (parents and godparents) promised to help her reject sin and teach her about God. I don't mean to be corny but it was very nice!

Congrats. It sounds like it was an inspiring day indeed. And that doesn't sound corny at all.

Michelle

 

[Dream]

Yes, I know. (Not sure what you mean by "yet" though.) I understand that the eucharist means something different to a RC than it means to a Protestant. It is a symbol to the Protestant and the actual body/blood to a RC. I have accepted that point on FAITH alone. But it's still tough for me to really wrap my mind around. And I don't understand why that particular point (symbolic vs. actual body/blood) makes that much of a difference to RCs. The main thing, imo, is that it reminds us that Jesus died for our sins. I just could never understand why that difference was such a sticking point. And in a way, couldn't it be more of a semantic difference than an actual one?

Well just think about it. If you knew that the Eucharist was truly the body and blood of Jesus Christ, not just mere symbolism, but actually what He said it was, wouldn't you treat it differently? Wouldn't it be a huge deal?

 

[Markh]

It is a massive massive massive difference!

 

[Epiphanygirl]

I would urge you to please tell the Priest what happened, for the good of the Church. The Priest must know that this volunteer is doing this. Think of all the damage that is being done if you, and others who know the truth, keep silent on the matter.