Can Catholics receive Protestant communion?

[Richard_O]

I fully understand the difference between how Catholics view Eucharistic communion and the way other Christians see it. I also understand why it is not right for non-Catholics to receive communion in a Catholic church. But I can’t find an answer anywhere as to whether it it permissible for Catholics to receive communion in a Protestant or Orthodox church. Does anyone know the answer or where I can find it? Thanks much.

 

[THurifer2]

The answer is very simple …NO

WHy would one want to show a sign of communion with a group of people they are NOT in communion with?

Can. 844 §1 Catholic ministers may lawfully administer the sacraments only to catholic members of Christ’s faithful, who equally may lawfully receive them only from catholic ministers,

 

[OutinChgoburbs]

Let’s use some logic here. As thurifer asked you, why would you want to receive their communion? Even if they believe it is the True Presence, it is not.

Here is an article by This Rock on why only Catholics should receive the Eucharist in Catholic parishes:
catholic.com/thisrock/2003/0302sbs.asp
So, logically, if they can’t receive here, don’t you think it is logical to conclude that we cannot receive in their churches?

Here is an article from the Pittsburgh diocese:
pittsburghcatholic.org/newsarticles_more.phtml?id=1854
Now, it stands to reason if we are expected to have the Eucharist within the context of a Catholic liturgy (including ALL Catholic churches, Byzatine et al), then the Church does not want us out communicating with protestants unless and until they are in union with us.

Finally, there is canon law.
Can. 900 ß1 The only minister who, in the person of Christ, can bring into being the sacrament of the Eucharist, is a validly ordained priest.

Now, it stands to reason that a protestant minister is generally not a validly ordained priest; or that if he is and running around as a protestant minister, he is doing it illicitly. Therefore, no Eucharist, no reception by Catholics.

However, here is the rest of the section onthe Eucharist from the 1983 Code:
Can. 908 Catholic priests are forbidden to concelebrate the Eucharist with priests or ministers of Churches or ecclesial communities which are not in full communion with the catholic Church.

If priest can’t concelebrate with protestants, then why would we be allowed to receive communion intheir churches?

Orthodox churches are a whole ‘nother kettle of fish, as they have a valid Sacrament and a valid Orders. We can, but they dont’ want to receive. They can receive in our parishes, but they don’t want to receive.

 

[John_Lilburne]

From the Directory on Ecumenism at vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html :

“132. On the basis of the Catholic doctrine concerning the sacraments and their validity, a Catholic who finds himself or herself in the circumstances mentioned above (nn. 130 and 131) may ask for these sacraments only from a minister in whose Church these sacraments are valid or from one who is known to be validly ordained according to the Catholic teaching on ordination.”

This is under the heading “Sharing in Sacramental Life, especially the Eucharist”. It would be worth reading 122-136 of this document.

 

[1ke]

In addition to the references already given, this is also covered explicitly in the Encyclical “Ecclesia de Eucharistia”.

 

[palmas85]

I fully understand the difference between how Catholics view Eucharistic communion and the way other Christians see it. I also understand why it is not right for non-Catholics to receive communion in a Catholic church. But I can’t find an answer anywhere as to whether it it permissible for Catholics to receive communion in a Protestant or Orthodox church. Does anyone know the answer or where I can find it? Thanks much.

Why would you even be interested in such a thing?