An evangelical returns with some optimistic questions

[Streckfus]

Hi everyone,

I was raised an evangelical, and although I am no longer a member of any protestant church, I am not Catholic, either (at least formally), and so I am posting my question here.

I will give you some background, and then ask my questions, if you’ll bear with me.

BACKGROUND…

You can read an older question from me in this post here forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=684330, it has a little more background. I come here a few times a week and read some of the more interesting discussions.

After that question, I purchased a rosary and had it blessed by a local priest (who was very gentle, understanding and kind to me - I didn’t know what to expect; if you’re an evangelical, you know the anxiety I went through to do that; even though I’m older, the old fears I learned as a child were difficult to overcome).

I’ve since prayed the rosary every day, usually an abbreviated version with a finger rosary that I carry with me all the time. This allows me to fit in all the mysteries to and from work each day. After each rosary, I pray that God will soften my family and show me the way home, or give me peace where I’m at.

I’ve struggled through, and embraced or reconciled myself with central Catholic doctrines. I consume Catholic programming each day, and especially enjoy the “coming home” stories with Marcus Grodi and the encouraging calls that come into Catholic Answers Live from folks like me.

This journey started about a year and a half ago, so it is not a passing fancy.

For the time being, I privately worship as a Catholic while taking my family to a nondenominational evangelical church, where I often put my hand in my pocket and rotate the finger rosary in silent prayer.

RECENTLY…

Recently a friend, who knows nothing about any of this, said she lives down the street from a Catholic church and goes there once in a while and even takes “communion.” I said, “But you’re not Catholic. I understand you need to be Catholic to take communion in a Catholic church.” She said she’d talked to the priest there and he is convinced she is a devout Christian and may receive the Eucharist.

(I’m sure there’s more to it than that, but that’s all she shared.)

Until this conversation, I thought I might forever be on the outside looking in. Now I have some hope of participating without going through RCIA, which is not possible at this time.

(My family knows I’m ecumenical and drawn to Catholicism, but were I to actually “join” the church through RCIA, I would be crossing a line that would hurt them deeply, even jeopardize my marriage, and I cannot do that.)

AND NOW THE QUESTIONS…

Question 1:
Are there any Catholics here who have heard of this exception being made (non-Catholics taking the Eucharist)?

Question 2:
How do homebound or isolated Catholics participate in mass if there is no priest or if they are physically or emotionally prevented from doing so?

I recently heard this prayer at the end of mass on EWTN:

“My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.” (Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori)

How efficacious is this? (given my situation and my sincere desire). I could pray this prayer and mean every word.

If you read this far, thank you. And thank you in advance for all thoughtful answers.

Streckfus

 

[kingal86]

From what I’ve read, the only exception for a Protestant to licitly receive Communion would be if they were at risk of dying, no minister of their confession is available, and the Catholic priest establishes that they believe in the Real Presence.

You are of course welcome to attend Mass regardless as I’m sure you’re aware (a Saturday evening or Vigil Mass is the same as a Sunday Mass, if attending that wouldn’t risk problems with your family), but as was stated prominently on the 1962 Missal book at a Latin Mass I went to Sun morning (I hadn’t been to one before), “only Catholics in a state of grace * may receive Communion”.

I believe some parishes make an effort to bring the Eucarist to the housebound and elderly.*

 

[kingal86]

Found a link to canon law:

Can. 844 S4, Code of Canon Law (C) 2007

“If there is a danger of death or if, in the judgement of the diocesan Bishop or of the Episcopal Conference, there is some other grave and pressing need, Catholic ministers may lawfully administer these same sacraments to other Christians not in full communion with the catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who spontaneously ask for them, provided that they demonstrate the catholic faith in respect of these sacraments and are properly disposed.”

intratext.com/IXT/ENG0017/_P2S.HTM

 

[PaulfromIowa]

Question 1:
Are there any Catholics here who have heard of this exception being made (non-Catholics taking the Eucharist)?

Protestants may only receive the Eucharist under extreme circumstances involving the danger of death. You can talk to a Catholic priest and ask if you can be catechized and received into the Church privately because of your family’s hostility.

catholic.com/tracts/who-can-receive-communion

The circumstances in which Protestants are permitted to receive Communion are more limited, though it is still possible for them to do so under certain specifically defined circumstances.

Canon law explains the parameters: “If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed” (CIC 844 § 4).

Question 2:
How do homebound or isolated Catholics participate in mass if there is no priest or if they are physically or emotionally prevented from doing so?

Homebound Catholics can receive the Eucharist from a visiting priest or EMHC(Extraordinary minister of Holy Communion). Those who live in isolated areas receive the sacraments whenever they are able. An Act of Spiritual Communion is good for those who cannot receive, but is not a substitute for the real thing.

 

[Steveabrous]

Now I have some hope of participating without going through RCIA, which is not possible at this time.

I love the fact that you are wanting to become Catholic. And I understand the pain extended family members can cause when a person comes to this point.

But, It is not possible for you to take communion without first being confirmed.I can’t speak to this priest, other then to say “Being a devote christian” is not enough. Perhaps this is a seudo catholic church not Roman Catholic. But if you want what we have to offer you must be willing to take up your cross. We don’t hand it out for free.

(My family knows I’m ecumenical and drawn to Catholicism, but were I to actually “join” the church through RCIA, I would be crossing a line that would hurt them deeply, even jeopardize my marriage, and I cannot do that.)

Just so you know I am a convert from Protestantism who is married to a protestant (I was Catholic when we married.) We have 2 churches and we make it work. As far as extended family I’m afraid they will probably be hurt no matter what. As far as your spouse are they Christian? If so they can not justify divorcing you over this. I would suggest being honest and working out some compromise. You can “visit” other churches you just can’t take communion. there are usually enough Mass times that you can fullfill your Mass obligation and still attend church with the family and not cause to much of a disruption. Being a Catholic convert from a protestant family comes with a heavy cross but it is worth it. But you must be willing to carry that cross.

Are there any Catholics here who have heard of this exception being made (non-Catholics taking the Eucharist)?

NO!

How do homebound or isolated Catholics participate in mass if there is no priest or if they are physically or emotionally prevented from doing so?

A Eucharistic minister will take the bread to home bound individules. these are very old, or disabled people, not “private” Catholics.

 

[Steveabrous]

I would like to add that it may be possible, if you can show a proper understanding of Catholicism, to be confirmed without going through RCIA

 

[Nita]

Question 2:
…
I recently heard this prayer at the end of mass on EWTN:

“My Jesus, I believe that Thou art present in the Blessed Sacrament. I love Thee above all things and I desire Thee in my soul. Since I cannot now receive Thee sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. As though thou wert already there, I embrace Thee and unite myself wholly to Thee; permit not that I should ever be separated from Thee.” (Act of Spiritual Communion by St. Alphonsus Liguori)

How efficacious is this? (given my situation and my sincere desire). I could pray this prayer and mean every word.

This prayer is what we call a “spiritual Holy Communion”. It is not the equivalent of receiving Our Lord in the sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, but it is still efficacious. You can make this prayer as often as you like - you do not need to be a Catholic to make this prayer to Our Lord. Jesus will be very pleased.

 

[StaTeresita]

Keep your eyes in Jesus! If you get distracted, you will go down just as Peter did. But Jesus is there for us always. The Eucharist is the goal and you want it as it should be, because that is the best way and the way God intended it to be.

 

[PattiDay]

Keep praying the Holy Rosary. Our Lady will guide you on your journey. Ask the priest who blessed the rosary the questions you’ve asked here, since you don’t feel that you can commit to RCIA at this time. I know my priest would drop everything (well, nearly) to help bring a soul along to the fullness of the Catholic faith. Do you have the Catechism? It can answer so many of the questions you might have. Ask the priest. He may be able to give you one on the spot.

The Spiritual Communion is open to anyone who fervently believes what they are praying. It is a great consolation to those who cannot physically receive Jesus because they are unable to attend Mass, or may not be in a state of grace. I think you will find that it increases your longing to experience the physical union with Our Lord. God bless you.

 

[fbl9]

O Lord create in all your believers are deep desire for the true bread of life.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I too was Baptist/Evangelical. I remember doing the same thing and feeling the same way about my Rosary! Too funny!

I get from your post that you would like to play Catholic without being Catholic. I wanted the same thing, and its what we are used to in the lax nature of the evangelical faith. The Catholic Church just doesn’t work that way.

I decided to join the church after my divorce. I have 3 kids and my ex wife and I do not do well discussing things. I was so terrified of joining the church even though I wanted to with every fiber of my being!

Would my wife let me take the kids?
Would she let them join the church?
Will this cause a further rift?
I want to be charitable to my family.
What about my parents?
Would they disown me?

What if what if what if.

My friend in inquiry finally hit the nail on the head. He said, Jon you seem like the type of guy who needs all his ducks in a row, all the details figured out, all the t’s crossed before you step out in faith. But is that faith in God or self? You also seem like the type who worries a lot about others, but this is your spiritual life. Your eternal destiny on the line. You need to do what’s right for your spiritual growth. You need to step out in faith and let the details work themselves out.

So like Peter who dropped his net, all he had , and followed Jesus, so too must we.

That moment when I was in front of the church for the rite of welcome was the most powerful time in my Christian Journey and I can’t wait till Easter.

PS… The details are working out and the drama I imagined in my head was 100 times worse than the reality. I worried over nothing.

 

[Streckfus]

I thank you all for your thoughtful comments.

I assure, you, Jon S, I am not “playing Catholic.” My marriage would end if I were to pursue RCIA, at least, that is the state of things today; that could change, and I pray that it will, but for now, I remain outside.

And thank you, PaulfromIowa, for the idea of a private catechism. I will try to see a priest and ask about this. In the meantime, I will observe and say the St. Alphonsus prayer.

Just as an FYI, for those who may not understand Christian fundamentalism, this is no trivial matter. There are enormous barriers and consequences to converting.

My family could get past me converting, because I prayed a prayer of salvation as a boy (once saved, always saved), but I would be damning my children with this change (for they are still little), and my children’s children and so on; many in the tradition I come from believe there is no saving knowledge of Jesus in the Catholic church. Quite the opposite. It’s the road to hell.

Don’t misunderstand, my tradition is filled with good folks who love Jesus and I will see them all in heaven, but the Reformation has left us with painful challenges.

There is fear and misunderstanding on both sides, and I am caught in the middle.

Streckfus

 

[CarolNoel]

I will keep you and your family in my prayers. You have a very difficult situation. Please keep us informed.

 

[AndyP2010]

Is your wife so against the Church that she would reject even learning about the faith. If she isn’t against just learning about the faith it might make her at least willing to tolerate you becoming Catholic. It might be that private instruction is the best way for you but, in any case it might help if you inform your wife that no commitment is made by you until you come into the Church whether through RCIA or not. Talk to a Priest, he may had dealings with members of your tradition before and may have dealt with your exact situation as well.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I thank you all for your thoughtful comments.

I assure, you, Jon S, I am not “playing Catholic.” My marriage would end if I were to pursue RCIA, at least, that is the state of things today; that could change, and I pray that it will, but for now, I remain outside.

I hope you did not take that as a put down. I felt as I was playing catholic because I was sort of half in half out, but without the sacraments it is really not 100 percent like you know.

Once again, perhaps that was a poor description so I apologize. I meant no offense in it.

Jon

 

[Steveabrous]

but I would be damning my children with this change (for they are still little), and my children’s children and so on;
Streckfus

So The bad choice you make will condemn the rest of your lineage to hell but you get to be saved? That’s a bit irrational.

So, is your wife a christian?? If so she can not justify divorcing you over this.
You might be able to pull the me man you woman card. Look up and show her the plethera of scriptures that say that you are accountable to God not to her, and that she is accountable to you.
In other words, she doesn’t have the right to tell you no. In fact you could insist she convert with you and she would be ablidged to do so. I know that line of thinking is not popular in the post-modern, feminized, secularized American Christianity of today. But the verses are there and there are none to counter them.

Just a thought.

 

[Streckfus]

Thank you CarolNoel and everyone for your prayers and kind words, and Jon S, no offense taken.

To those who wonder at how unreasonable evangelicals might be, I can only say they are equally passionate, well-versed, and well-meaning. There is no reasoning, only prayer and patience.

And should I ever remain outside, please bear in mind I am only wishing I had what you have. I’m not being critical of anyone for keeping me out, just asking how I can hurt as few people as possible and get closer to Jesus the same way you do.

Streckfus

 

[Koineman]

But, It is not possible for you to take communion without first being confirmed.

I thought you needed to have been baptized in the CC and gone to confession, to receive communion.

 

[Jon_S_1]

I thought you needed to have been baptized in the CC and gone to confession, to receive communion.

The Catholic Church recognizes all Baptisms done with water with the proper Trinitarian formula. Most Protestant Baptisms are accepted.

To receive first communion you must be free if mortal sin, so you must go to confession first unless you are baptized at the time of your first communion. Confirmation can be done later, but for adults joining the church, this all generally happens at the same time at the Easter Vigil.

 

[crazzeto]

From what I’ve read, the only exception for a Protestant to licitly receive Communion would be if they were at risk of dying, no minister of their confession is available, and the Catholic priest establishes that they believe in the Real Presence.

You are of course welcome to attend Mass regardless as I’m sure you’re aware (a Saturday evening or Vigil Mass is the same as a Sunday Mass, if attending that wouldn’t risk problems with your family), but as was stated prominently on the 1962 Missal book at a Latin Mass I went to Sun morning (I hadn’t been to one before), “only Catholics in a state of grace * may receive Communion”.

I believe some parishes make an effort to bring the Eucarist to the housebound and elderly.*

There is no exception with protestants, there can be no Eucharist without absolution via reconciliation and our priests can’t absolve the sins of a protestant. The only exception is we allow intercommunion with Eastern Orthodox, at least on our side.