Catholics Taking Eucharist in Protestant Churches: Need CCC cite

[rr1213]

I understand that Catholics may not take communion in Protestant Churches (or for that matter most other other non-Catholic Churches other than the Orthodox). Can anyone please point me to the CCC teaching on this subject assuming that it is in the CCC? I’m having trouble finding it. Thanks,

 

[dianeeh]

As a Protestant converting to Catholicism, I think I can actually help you with this. I’m not sure where it is in the CCC, but it has been explained to me that the Eucharist is the flesh and blood of Jesus, literally his broken body and precious blood given for us and to us, to nourish us physically and spiritually. I don’t know which denomination you come from, but I know as a UCC and even in various Mennonite and Lutheran churches I visited with friends, it was bread and wine symbolic of Jesus’ sacrifice, not his actual flesh and blood. So, they could, but it is not the Eucharist so it would not be the same. I hope that helps!

 

[jemfinch]

dianeeh: Sorry to correct you, but even though it’s not really the Eucharist in Protestant churches, Catholics are still not permitted to receive it. It is a sign of unity which doesn’t presently exist.

rr1213: Here’s your quote

1400 Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church, "have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders."236 It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible. However these ecclesial communities, "when they commemorate the Lord’s death and resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in communion with Christ and await his coming in glory."237

236/237 are footnote numbers or references numbers, not quite sure; I used the online Catechism.

Jeremy

 

[Protestant101]

Catholics don’t seem to mind Protestants doing communion/Eucharist at their churches. I have seen some do so. I have been to Catholic services myself; but chose to quietly sit in the pew when everyone else went up. No one said a word to me for sitting there and not taking part either.

But you are right. it isn’t the same thing in our respective churches.

 

[rr1213]

I take it that the language “Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible” means that it is prohibited for a Catholic to take communion in these Churches? Makes sense (from the Catholic viewpoint). The reason I ask is that “is not possible” could be read to mean “is not effectual” instead of “it is prohibited.” I don’t think that would be the correct reading of the passage, but I want to be sure that I have it right. Thanks,

 

[rr1213]

Catholics don’t seem to mind Protestants doing communion/Eucharist at their churches.

Actually Catholics do mind. If you are Protestant, you should not take communion in a Catholic Church out of respect for their beliefs, if not yours.

 

[jemfinch]

Catholics don’t seem to mind Protestants doing communion/Eucharist at their churches.

Yes, we do. It’s impermissible for a Protestant to receive the Eucharist in a Catholic Church. If I knew one who was, I would object strongly.

I have seen some do so.

I’ve seen many people do many impermissible things; that doesn’t mean they’re “allowed.”

I have been to Catholic services myself; but chose to quietly sit in the pew when everyone else went up.

Thank you! But I pray that you won’t always have to remain seated

No one said a word to me for sitting there and not taking part either.

Of course not. Heck, many Catholics sit one out every once in awhile (hopefully rarely), perhaps if they’ve committed unconfessed mortal sin or if they’re simply not in the frame of mind necessary to receive our Lord Jesus Christ. I myself have remained seated simply because I was too angry at someone to receive my Host.

Jeremy

 

[jemfinch]

I take it that the language “Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible” means that it is prohibited for a Catholic to take communion in these Churches? Makes sense (from the Catholic viewpoint). The reason I ask is that “is not possible” could be read to mean “is not effectual” instead of “it is prohibited.” I don’t think that would be the correct reading of the passage, but I want to be sure that I have it right. Thanks,

You do have it right. And it works both ways, hence the "inter"communion.

If you want more proof, you can look to the code of canon law, which only permits non-Catholic, non-Orthodox Christians to receive the sacraments under severe circumstances:

If the danger of death is present or if, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or conference of bishops, some other grave necessity urges it, Catholic ministers administer these same sacraments licitly also to other Christians not having full communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and who seek such on their own accord, provided that they manifest Catholic faith in respect to these sacraments and are properly disposed.

That’s Canon 844, if you want to see the whole thing.

Jeremy

 

[Protestant101]

Actually Catholics do mind. If you are Protestant, you should not take communion in a Catholic Church out of respect for their beliefs, if not yours.

“Out of respect for their beliefs?” All I said was that Catholics I have seen did invite Protestants to go up fron to receive communion/Eucharist. I only based what I said on what real life Catholics have done right before my eyes.

If it is official catholic teaching that protestants do not take the Eucharist; I would appreciate knowing that; but in the meantime, I see it as a matter of respect for either side to reciprocate in if asked. What is the official Catholic teaching on this point?

 

[happygal]

I understand that Catholics may not take communion in Protestant Churches (or for that matter most other other non-Catholic Churches other than the Orthodox). Can anyone please point me to the CCC teaching on this subject assuming that it is in the CCC? I’m having trouble finding it. Thanks,

Well maybe i can say protestant are not allow to partake communion in a CC, i have asked this question to a Father at my local CC, he was very firmed to tell me off, why a protestant wanted to partake the communion at CC when they are the one who broke away from the church!!! And go on put up his ungodly tone to me. I was deeply very upset the remark made by this Father and thus when he ask me if i’m interested to baptize myself as a Catholic. My answer to him is NO NO NO…although i love Catholic doctrine very much, probably more then i love the protestant version of doctrine… but i just cannot stand the pple who practise it!!! what a sad sight…

 

[Todd_Easton]

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document on the Eucharist on November 14, 2006, called, Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist, here.

Appendix A, on pages 20-21, addresses the question: “May Those Who Are Not Catholic Receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church?”

Appendix B, on pages 22-23, addresses the question; “May Catholics Receive Holy Communion in Other Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities?”

 

[Protestant101]

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a document on the Eucharist on November 14, 2006, called, Happy Are Those Who Are Called to His Supper: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist, here.

Appendix A, on pages 20-21, addresses the question: “May Those Who Are Not Catholic Receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church?”

Appendix B, on pages 22-23, addresses the question; “May Catholics Receive Holy Communion in Other Christian Churches and Ecclesial Communities?”

Thanks for this info. I found it very informative to my questions too. Here is a brief quote from page 20:

In such instances Church authority must see that the following four conditions are also present:32 (1) the person is not able to approach a minister of his or her own community;the individual has asked for the sacrament on his or her own; (3) the individual manifests
Catholic faith in the Eucharist; and (4) the person is properly disposed.33

I find the first three points to be very fair and realistic sounding; but i don’t understand the 4th point named. What is meant by “properly disposed?”

 

[Todd_Easton]

Well maybe i can say protestant are not allow to partake communion in a CC, i have asked this question to a Father at my local CC, he was very firmed to tell me off, why a protestant wanted to partake the communion at CC when they are the one who broke away from the church!!! And go on put up his ungodly tone to me. I was deeply very upset the remark made by this Father and thus when he ask me if i’m interested to baptize myself as a Catholic. My answer to him is NO NO NO…although i love Catholic doctrine very much, probably more then i love the protestant version of doctrine… but i just cannot stand the pple who practise it!!! what a sad sight…

It sounds like the priest could have been more charitable in his explanation but the reception of Holy Communion is a serious matter. Those who receive it improperly risk illness or even death. (1 Corinthians 11:27-30)

 

[calchiquita]

found this at catholicherald.com/saunders/04ws/ws040506.htm

don’t know if it helps

Can Catholics receive communion in a Protestant Church or vice versa? Vatican Council II recognized that the Protestant Churches “have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic Mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the Sacrament of Holy Orders” (Decree on Ecumenism, No. 22). For this very reason, the sharing of Holy Communion between Protestants and Catholics is not possible (Catechism, No. 1400). This statement does not suggest that Protestant Churches do not commemorate the Lord’s death and resurrection in their communion service or believe that it signifies a communion with Christ. Nevertheless, Protestant theology differs with Catholic theology concerning the Holy Eucharist over the real presence of Christ, transubstantiation, the sacrifice of the Mass, and the nature of the priesthood. For this reason, Protestants, although perhaps upright Christians, may not receive Holy Communion at Mass, and Catholics may not receive communion at a Protestant service.
Our Holy Father in his beautiful encyclical, *The Eucharist in its Relationship to the Church *(Ecclesia de Eucharistia) taught, “The Catholic faithful, while respecting the religious convictions of these separated brethren, must refrain from receiving the communion distributed in their celebrations, so as not to condone an ambiguity about the nature of the Eucharist and, consequently, to fail in their duty to bear clear witness to the truth. This would result in slowing the progress being made towards full visible unity. Similarly, it is unthinkable to substitute for Sunday Mass ecumenical celebrations of the word or services of common prayer with Christians from the aforementioned Ecclesial Communities, or even participation in their own liturgical services. Such celebrations and services, however praiseworthy in certain situations, prepare for the goal of full communion, including Eucharistic communion, but they cannot replace it” (No. 30). Objectively speaking, to knowingly violate these precepts by receiving communion in a Protestant Church or neglecting to worship at Mass constitutes a mortal sin.

 

[calchiquita]

Understanding the Real Presence is what brought me into the Catholic Church. I had no desire to “receive communion” anywhere else, even while waiting to be brought into full communion with the Church. I mean, what’s the point?

 

[Todd_Easton]

Thanks for this info. I found it very informative to my questions too. Here is a brief quote from page 20:

I find the first three points to be very fair and realistic sounding; but i don’t understand the 4th point named. What is meant by “properly disposed?”

I think this means what Catholics call “in a state of grace,” that is, having no unconfessed, post-baptism, mortal sins on one’s conscience. See the section on “Lack of Sanctifying Grace,” on page 8 of the U.S. bishops’ document.

 

[lak611]

Of course not. Heck, many Catholics sit one out every once in awhile (hopefully rarely), perhaps if they’ve committed unconfessed mortal sin or if they’re simply not in the frame of mind necessary to receive our Lord Jesus Christ. I myself have remained seated simply because I was too angry at someone to receive my Host.

Also, if we have eaten something sooner than 1 hr. before Communion, we cannot receive due to the Eucharistic fast not being met.

 

[dianeeh]

dianeeh: Sorry to correct you, but even though it’s not really the Eucharist in Protestant churches, Catholics are still not permitted to receive it. It is a sign of unity which doesn’t presently exist.

LOL, no you’re not sorry! Why else would you turn up in an Apologists’ forum? Certainly not to apologize, as it were. But I do appreciate the info and research. I learn something new every day.

calchiquita, your posts including the one from the Pope, were most helpful. I, too, came to the church because of the Real Presence in the Eucharist; someone took me to Adoration, and I still go as much as I can. Now I’m in RCIA!

Thanks, all.

And for goodness sake, could everyone just learn a little from the Pope and exercise some love and understanding towards the Protestants despite the separation? They already think Catholics hate them. Why not surprise them and be loving and welcoming. Did Jesus win people over through criticism and doctrine-spewing? No! He said his peace and then left for a little while if he could see they weren’t getting it. Has ANYONE read the readings for today’s mass? Man…

For those without missals, that would be: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-30

My mother still attends a Protestant church. I took her to Adoration once and she broke down crying when we left, saying, “He’s there! I felt him!” She thinks Catholicism is too hard; she’s afraid of it. She’s had friends convert and then get very zealous and judgmental. If I can only show her that that’s not what it’s about but more about a fuller understanding of Jesus’ love for us through his original church, I hope I will have accomplished something good. I don’t push. I just pray about it and if she wants to come with me any time to Mass, I welcome her to do so.

 

[Protestant101]

And for goodness sake, could everyone just learn a little from the Pope and exercise some love and understanding towards the Protestants despite the separation? They already think Catholics hate them. Why not surprise them and be loving and welcoming. Did Jesus win people over through criticism and doctrine-spewing? No! He said his peace and then left for a little while if he could see they weren’t getting it. Has ANYONE read the readings for today’s mass? Man…

For those without missals, that would be: Jeremiah 1:4-5, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Luke 4:21-30

I appreciate your charitable attitude.

 

[jmcrae]

I find the first three points to be very fair and realistic sounding; but i don’t understand the 4th point named. What is meant by “properly disposed?”

Several things; first, they have been properly instructed in the Sacrament at Sacramental Prep or at RCIA; they’ve received their official First Holy Communion; they don’t know of any mortal sins that they need to confess since their last good Confession; they have fasted for at least an hour; and their mind and heart is focused on Jesus in an undistracted way. There are some who would also include that they have behaved themselves in Church, not chatting with their neighbor when they were supposed to be praying, and are modestly and appropriately dressed for the occasion.

The general sense of being “properly disposed to receive” is that they understand what they’re doing, and are fully minded to do it in a reverent manner.