Communion and Protestants

[rinnie]

Is it really most? I knew some saw it symbolically, but I wasn’t given to understand it was most.

Also is it really the view of some churches that something must be a Sacrament before it is accorded due respect and ceremony? I haven’t encountered that before, but that may be due to a Lutheran upbringing. For instance, we don’t accord marriage the status of a sacrament, but there is a good deal of consultation with the pastor, religious instruction, etc., involved when someone is prepping for a wedding at our church.Perhaps it is different in other Protestant denominations.

Yes I believe Most. The Catholic Church is the only Church that has the 7 Sacraments. Marriage is a Sacrament in the CC.

How you guys don’t see marriage as a Sacrament I believe very few accept the Eucharist as a Sacrament. They deny that it is the actual body and blood of Christ. They says its just a symbol ot the b&b of Christ.

 

[rinnie]

Perhaps you did not attend many masses as a Protestant, or your church did not put much of an emphasis on communion. Or perhaps your church believed Catholics and Protestants to be essentially different rather than essentially similar. I find it strange that you could attend a religious service, during which you are denied taking part in what that church teaches is the most important part of the service, and not feel at least somewhat uncomfortable, especially when everyone else around you gets to take part.

Not really TKP, There are many Catholic’s that cannot take communion on any given Sunday. Some because they were not permitted to remarry but did it anyway and cannot receive Communion. But do not give up Sunday Mass and still remain in Church.

For others they may be in a state of Mortal sin and not yet got to go to confession. Some may have had a big breakfast and did not fast long enough. There are many reasons.

Catholic’s don’t really pay attention actually on who goes and does not go to communion. Its none of our business. We are too excited about going ourself and receiving Christ. Thats all thats on our mind.

 

[Lovesa]

Yes I believe Most. The Catholic Church is the only Church that has the 7 Sacraments. Marriage is a Sacrament in the CC.

How you guys don’t see marriage as a Sacrament I believe very few accept the Eucharist as a Sacrament. They deny that it is the actual body and blood of Christ. They says its just a symbol ot the b&b of Christ.

True. “Sacraments” are one thing, yes, and very important. Lutherans have two–baptism and communion. However, for Lutherans something does not need to be called a sacrament to be accorded due respect and ceremony. Such as marriages–The pastor looks for the faith of the people getting married before letting them get married in the church. Therefore, the idea of not being allowed communion at another church seems beneficial, not offensive. For instance, I don’t know of any Lutherans (marrying another Protestant) who would seek to hold their marriage ceremony in a Catholic Church. Marriage isn’t a sacrament, but that’s understood.

That’s why I find it odd that, even if communion were symbolic, one would not respect the beliefs of the particular church they’re atending. After all, one follows the rules of wherever they are, not their own rules. It might feel a little awkward, but in the end it’s a matter of respect.

(Quick note: To Lutherans, a sacrament must do two things. First, it must forgive sins. Second, it must contain two elements: the word of God and an earthly element. For instance, communion=the stuff said over the Host, and the wine and bread, and baptism=word and water.)

 

[elvisman]

Well, obviously you don’t care about alienating your non-Catholic friends. My message was more for anyone who did care about that. It’s certainly something to consider when planning a wedding.

I think that people SHOULD let their non-Catholic friends and family know that they should not receive the Holy Eucharist at their wedding.
I also believe that unprepared Catholics should know not to receive as well.

Right, you have a policy against it. Got that, loud and clear, bud. Don’t need your bolded letters and bright colors to understand.

I don’t have a policy against it - the Church does. The Church is the fullness of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23) and has supreme authority on earth (Matt. 16:18-19, 18:15-18, John 20:21-23) and therefore has both the right - and the duty to uphold such a policy. **

As for my use of colors - it’s a STYLE thing so get over it.

And, while I’m thinking about Catholicism and communion, what do you all think about non-Catholics who receive communion despite official church policy? People do in India a lot because of the value of prasad there. Many of my classmates have at my Catholic university. Some of my Catholic classmates have encouraged me to do so as well. I’ve even talked to the priests here, and, while they do not endorse it, they certainly know it happens. I haven’t done so yet because, while I certainly disagree with the official policy on it, I continue to respect it.

Those who receive it and know that they’re not supposed to will have to answer to God not to me. The world profaned the Body of Christ when he lived on earth 2000 years ago. What makes you think that this indignity will stop now?**

By the way - good for you for choosing not to profane his Body.**

 

[SteveVH]

There is so much mockery and hostility in that statement. Oh well, it’s not the first time I’ve seen it.

I am sorry if you feel offended my statements. Perhaps they could have been worded more charitably. Our Church teaches that all who are baptized with water, in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit are members of the Christian family and we certainly consider them brothers and sisters in Christ, though separated. But to say that because one is baptized that we are then “One Church, One Faith” is saying too much. We are not, or we would be worshiping God under the same roof. In Publisher’s case, they do not meet even the basic requirement of being baptized with water.

 

[ThatKrazyPagan]

I don’t have a policy against it - the Church** does. The Church is the fullness of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23) and has supreme authority on earth (Matt. 16:18-19, 18:15-18, John 20:21-23) and therefore has both the right - and the duty to uphold such a policy.

That was meant to be a plural “you,” referring to the church as a whole. Sorry for not being clear.

By the way - good for you for choosing not** to profane his Body.

No problem. However, I was trying to answer the question as to why a non-Catholic would be offended that she could not receive communion. Do you now understand how someone could be made to feel uncomfortable?

1. You go to a religious ceremony as an invited guest.
2. There is a part of the ceremony that is regarded as most important, perhaps even the main reason why most people are there.
3. When that part comes, very nearly everyone gathered leaves their seats to participate.
4. You must remain seated and not participate in the most important part of the ceremony, simply because you are a guest.

Regardless of whether or not the others notice that you remained seated - you certainly notice. It makes a guest feel like an unequal outsider.

 

[pablope]

That was meant to be a plural “you,” referring to the church as a whole. Sorry for not being clear.

No problem. However, I was trying to answer the question as to why a non-Catholic would be offended that she could not receive communion. Do you now understand how someone could be made to feel uncomfortable?

1. You go to a religious ceremony as an invited guest.
2. There is a part of the ceremony that is regarded as most important, perhaps even the main reason why most people are there.
3. When that part comes, very nearly everyone gathered leaves their seats to participate.
4. You must remain seated and not participate in the most important part of the ceremony, simply because you are a guest.

Regardless of whether or not the others notice that you remained seated - you certainly notice. It makes a guest feel like an unequal outsider.

I do not know if somebody has stated this…but non-Catholics can walk towards the Eucharistic Minister with arms crossed across the chess to receive a blessing. This way, you will not feel left out. The minister will not give you a host when he sees someone coming this way.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

I do not know if somebody has stated this…but non-Catholics can walk towards the Eucharistic Minister with arms crossed across the chess to receive a blessing. This way, you will not feel left out. The minister will not give you a host when he sees someone coming this way.

Actually everyone recieves a blessing from the Priest near the end of Mass, so those not recieving Communion should wait for this blessing. An EMHC has no authority to give a blessing in the context of Mass, only the Priest or Bishop, and not during Communion.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

I’ve never really understood why a person who is obstinately protestant and has no desire to become Catholic whatsoever wants to recieve Catholic Communion and affectively and very publicly post a large neon flashing sign above their heads that says, “I’M CATHOLIC I’M CATHOLIC I’M CATHOLIC”.

Why would a person with no desire to enter into the Church want to do this?

 

[nhylan]

I’ve never really understood why a person who is obstinately protestant and has no desire to become Catholic whatsoever wants to recieve Catholic Communion and affectively and very publicly post a large neon flashing sign above their heads that says, “I’M CATHOLIC I’M CATHOLIC I’M CATHOLIC”.

Why would a person with no desire to enter into the Church want to do this?

The same reason we would want to take our own Eucharist. It contains the body and blood of Jesus. I’m all about the Eucharistic Hospitality so I can understand your guest’s feelings on the matter. I know, since I recently married a Roman Catholic, that if your spouse is of another denomination the priest would actively discourage you from offering communion at your wedding. Perhaps a better solution would have been to attend a mass earlier in the day or perhaps the next day if your getting married on a Saturday.

 

[FromTheAshes777]

The same reason we would want to take our own Eucharist. It contains the body and blood of Jesus. I’m all about the Eucharistic Hospitality so I can understand your guest’s feelings on the matter. I know, since I recently married a Roman Catholic, that if your spouse is of another denomination the priest would actively discourage you from offering communion at your wedding. Perhaps a better solution would have been to attend a mass earlier in the day or perhaps the next day if your getting married on a Saturday.

…but wouldn’t a non-Catholic feel uncomfortable making a very public statement that they actually were in communion with Rome and believed everything Catholics believe when they passionately do not? Most non-Catholics I know would really cringe at this thought, and that’s a big reason why they aren’t Catholic.

I wouldn’t want to make a public statement that I’m a Mormon, or that I’m a Muslim or a Hindu.

 

[nhylan]

…but wouldn’t a non-Catholic feel uncomfortable making a very public statement that they actually were in communion with Rome and believed everything Catholics believe when they passionately do not? Most non-Catholics I know would really cringe at this thought, and that’s a big reason why they aren’t Catholic.

I wouldn’t want to make a public statement that I’m a Mormon, or that I’m a Muslim or a Hindu.

That’s not what I would think when I took it at all. I don’t know but communing with my fellow Catholics in the Roman Catholic Church makes me very happy. Ecumenism works at the micro level, not so much at the macro one lol. Just because I disagree with some things does not mean I deny the life giving sacrament when its present at a Roman Catholic Church.

 

[elvisman]

No problem. However, I was trying to answer the question as to why a non-Catholic would be offended that she could not receive communion. Do you now understand how someone could be made to feel uncomfortable?

1. You go to a religious ceremony as an invited guest.
2. There is a part of the ceremony that is regarded as most important, perhaps even the main reason why most people are there.
3. When that part comes, very nearly everyone gathered leaves their seats to participate.
4. You must remain seated and not participate in the most important part of the ceremony, simply because you are a guest.

Regardless of whether or not the others notice that you remained seated - you certainly notice. It makes a guest feel like an unequal outsider.

I’ve been invited to weddings of Mormon friends and was not allowed to attend the actual ceremony because I wasn’t a Mormon.
It was fine with me because that is their custom. All of us Non-Mormons attended the reception.

I feel that the issue of not being able to receive Communion at a Catholic Mass because you do not accept all of the Church’s teachings is silly. If you disagree with the Church and/or reject her teachings - why on earth would you want to parttake in Communion with her?
You should be releived that you are not expected to . . .

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I’ve been invited to weddings of Mormon friends and was not allowed to attend the actual ceremony because I wasn’t a Mormon.
It was fine with me because that is their custom. All of us Non-Mormons attended the reception.

**I feel that the issue of not **being able to receive Communion at a Catholic Mass because you do not accept all of the Church’s teachings is silly. If you disagree with the Church and/or reject her teachings - why on earth would you want to parttake in Communion with her?
You should be releived that you are not expected to . . .

Besides…you can’t always sidestep these things…what about at funerals…again the most important thing is who it is for…not everyone attending.

 

[ThatKrazyPagan]

I’ve been invited to weddings of Mormon friends and was not allowed to attend the actual ceremony because I wasn’t a Mormon.
It was fine with me because that is their custom. All of us Non-Mormons attended the reception.

**I feel that the issue of not **being able to receive Communion at a Catholic Mass because you do not accept all of the Church’s teachings is silly. If you disagree with the Church and/or reject her teachings - why on earth would you want to parttake in Communion with her?
You should be releived that you are not expected to . . .

I’ll take that as a no, you still don’t understand what I’m saying, even when laid out very straightforwardly. Are you saying that you were invited to a ceremony that you were not allowed to attend? I seriously doubt they invited you to the ceremony, then, and just invited you to the reception.

Communion has never meant to me that you are accepting 100% of church teachings. I’ve never heard anyone else suggest that that’s what it means. I have always interpreted communion as being communal, something a community does together. Maybe that’s not what it means to you, but it’s what it means to a lot of people. Excluding people from communion may mean to them that you do not see them as worthy of being part of your community. It makes them feel unwelcome. Do you understand that?

 

[SteveVH]

Peace to you friend.

And to you also. Please accept my aplogy if I have offended you. My only real issue is the common practice of people having the notion that it really doesn’t matter what one believes, that as long as one professes Christ, we’re good to go. Christ desires us to be one. We are not one when our beliefs and practices differ.

This is nothing personal. You are on the top of the list here as far as being charitable to all you with whom you communicate and I admire that a lot. The reason I brought up the fact that you do not practice baptism by water was only to show that there are extreme differences even in the most basic beliefs among Protestants. That does not mean that you do not have a relationship with Christ and probably live out your faith better than most Christians, including Catholics, from what I can tell. But we will only be one when we are one in belief.

 

[elvisman]

I’ll take that as a no, you still don’t understand what I’m saying, even when laid out very straightforwardly. Are you saying that you were invited to a ceremony that you were not allowed to attend? I seriously doubt they invited you to the ceremony, then, and just invited you to the reception.

I was invited to a friend’s Mormon wedding and noticed that it was a reception at a hall.
**When I asked if the wedding would be at the hall, I was told that it was to be held at their temple/tabernacle. I was told that I wasn’t allowed to attend because of Mormon religious rules and I understood.

Communion has never meant to me that you are accepting 100% of church teachings. I’ve never heard anyone else suggest that that’s what it means. I have always interpreted communion as being communal, something a community does together. Maybe that’s not what it means to you, but it’s what it means to a lot of people. Excluding people from communion may mean to them that you do not see them as worthy of being part of your community. It makes them feel unwelcome. Do you understand that?

Regardless of what YOU think it is - Communion began in the Catholic Church and was ALWAYS for those who were in full communion with the Church. It wasn’t until the Reformation and its aftermath that the Sacrament and its meaning became blurred and took on various forms and perversions that differed from its original purpose.

**The Holy Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. No Protestant denomination holds it in that regard.

Bottom line: If you want to parttake in the Catholic Communion - join the Church. It’s an OPEN invitation . . .

 

[elvisman]

Besides…you can’t always sidestep these things…what about at funerals…again the most important thing is who it is for…not everyone attending.

 

[Annabelle_Marie]

I’ll take that as a no, you still don’t understand what I’m saying, even when laid out very straightforwardly. Are you saying that you were invited to a ceremony that you were not allowed to attend? I seriously doubt they invited you to the ceremony, then, and just invited you to the reception.

Communion has never meant to me that you are accepting 100% of church teachings. I’ve never heard anyone else suggest that that’s what it means. I have always interpreted communion as being communal, something a community does together. Maybe that’s not what it means to you, but it’s what it means to a lot of people. Excluding people from communion may mean to them that you do not see them as worthy of being part of your community. It makes them feel unwelcome. Do you understand that?

Well…then the bible must make them feel unwelcome as well…

But to your point…no that is not what communion means to a Catholic…as being communal…but for us it IS the Body and Blood of Jesus…so yes…it is a big deal to us…something Protestants should respect…especially those that we call friends. To some protestantants it is nothing more then a wafer…so yea…under those circumstances I get the communal thing.

 

[solayan]

I think the reason this has always been a bit baffling to me is that if I were invited to someone else’s church (Christian or otherwise) as a guest I would not presume that I’d be able to take part in all the rites and rituals. It’s their church, and not being a member I know that I need to abide by their rules (as well as the rules of the Catholic Church) not just what I think I ought to be able to do.

When I’ve been to liturgies at my grandparents’ Orthodox church I would not presume to take communion, partly because I believe to do so would be implying I we are in full communion (which I know we’re not… yet) but also because it would be rude to ignore their rules, customs and norms.