Communion and Non-Catholics

[sousley]

sgcecilia; Why do we have to admit to agree with EVERYTHING that the Catholic Church teaches (and I don’t think everything it teaches is 100% true) in order to do something that Jesus absolutely requires of us?

Because it is the Church Jesus started when he gave the keys to Peter.

What if Communion isn’t necessarily supposed to be about being in communion with other Catholics? What if it were supposed to be a communion between all people who believe in Jesus and a communion between Jesus and the person receiving? Is there any scriptural or other evidence that specifies that there should be a distinction?

There is plenty of scriptural evidence that all of the apostles and their successors were of one mind in their faith. For instance, Paul tells us in Eph 4:5 “One Lord, one faith, one baptism”. Additionally, there have been volumes of letters written ever since by the successors that give further testimony to this one faith.

As for people being unaware of the necessity to be free of mortal sin and to believe in the True Presence, couldn’t the priest just mention that in his super long prayer before Communion? Then people will be aware and not commit a sin by receiving the Body and Blood unworthily.

“The super long prayer” is a culmination of prayers that have been liturgical practice for 2000 years or more. For instance, the Beraka prayer, stems from Jewish tradition. Each element is important. The pastor doesn’t just ad lib his way along.

If you could indulge me in another context. If your 18 year old child wanted you to provide a home, food, and vehicle for him but told you that he doesn’t want to follow your curfew, no drug use, and no profanity rules because he just didn’t believe in them, would you consider him to be loving you with all of his heart, mind, and strength?
If not, what right do we have as Christians to treat our heavenly Father that way?

 

[Zosimus41]

No. They would have a deficient knowledge or belief of the “state of grace” and could not discern the real presence in the Eucharist in the full Catholic sense. Furthermore, only baptized Catholics may receive the Blessed Sacrament.

Personal opinion doesn’t matter. If the Church teaches something, then that’s that. It’s final.

mda

Well stated.

As Catholics we have lost repect and faith for the Eucharist I cant imagine opening the door to more liberal ideas then what we have alrady added.

 

[sgcecilia]

If a priest recognizes that someone is not Catholic, does he refuse to give him the Eucharist at the altar?

 

[Aramis]

If a priest recognizes that someone is not Catholic, does he refuse to give him the Eucharist at the altar?

It depends. If he knows the individual is known to be Orthodox, PNCC, or Old Catholic, they will likely be communed.

 

[cheezey]

If a priest recognizes that someone is not Catholic, does he refuse to give him the Eucharist at the altar?

Good question; that’s what got me on this particular forum…very long story. Do you mean if he knew for sure and his response to be witnessed by many?
Had I walked in without an introduction from a member, how would he know?
Let me be abundantly clear: I would NEVER do that. I am very respectful of everyone’s protocols, etc.

 

[Tantum_ergo]

Why do we have to admit to agree with EVERYTHING that the Catholic Church teaches (and I don’t think everything it teaches is 100% true) in order to do something that Jesus absolutely requires of us?!

What if Communion isn’t necessarily supposed to be about being in communion with other Catholics? What if it were supposed to be a communion between all people who believe in Jesus and a communion between Jesus and the person receiving? Is there any scriptural or other evidence that specifies that there should be a distinction?

As for people being unaware of the necessity to be free of mortal sin and to believe in the True Presence, couldn’t the priest just mention that in his super long prayer before Communion? Then people will be aware and not commit a sin by receiving the Body and Blood unworthily.

Because that is what communion is.

You don’t agree everything it teaches is 100% true? But you want communion anyway?

Your ‘what if’s’ are interesting but they aren’t truth.

The Church has rules which Jesus has not only asked it to enforce, but gave the teaching through the Holy Spirit.

The idea that the Church is somehow depriving you of your RIGHT to receive is. . .well, wrong. Really, really wrong.

Please, discuss this with a priest.

 

[Aramis]

Good question; that’s what got me on this particular forum…very long story. Do you mean if he knew for sure and his response to be witnessed by many?
Had I walked in without an introduction from a member, how would he know?
Let me be abundantly clear: I would NEVER do that. I am very respectful of everyone’s protocols, etc.

In many smaller parishes, the priest (or the deacon) knows all the regulars, and will ask you as you approach. In village parishes, for example, the deacon will ask if you approach and he doesn’t know you, if he hasn’t spotted you before the service. The priest in many villages won’t - but he’s the itinerant, while the deacon is local.

Eastern Catholic parishes, you’ll probably be asked by the priest or deacon prior to liturgy. And they’ll often ask your name, too. If they don’t recognize you, don’t recognize you being guided by a trusted member of the parish, and didn’t talk to you before liturgy, they might not commune you.

It varies.