As a Protestant, it s highly improper to have a Eucharist at a worship service billed as ecumenical, in respect to Catholics, Missouri Synod Lutherans, and others that only celebrate Eucharist within their own communion or see the orders of other clergy as invalid.
One way to deal with this is to celebrate a Love Feast instead of a Eucharist (the Love Feast has very early ties to the Early Church). I know at official meetings of Methodist-Catholic dialogue they do this.
As to the above, perhaps I made a mistake originally in referring to what transpired as communion - for I meant communion in the sense of praying in community - rather than meaning to mislead others into thinking I meant Eucharist. And mainline protestant ministers were there participating in this communal prayer service - about 80 people total - more than half of them ministers/pastors of their congregations - Lutheran, Methodist, Episcopal, Baptist, Presbyterian and others. Catholic priests at times have lead these retreats. I wonder what their response has been? This was my first time to attend this Spiritual Formation group and the emphasis this year was on praying the liturgy of the hours. We also had a Taize healing service during the week of retreat. I never compared what transpired at these prayer liturgies to what we as Catholics believe about the Eucharist. As a Catholic, my pastor has me lead Eucharist Prayer Services when he is not available for daily mass - and this was a similar service - though was not called Eucharist - just called prayer liturgy with sharing of the blessing and breaking of bread in memory of Christ. And of course, at the EPS - we use hosts that have been consecrated at prior mass and kept in the locked Tabernacle.
Am interested in your defining what transpires at Love Feasts. Ministers of the denominations above were very active in the preparation and leading of these prayer liturgies.
Regardless of all the rules quoted - my week with these folks who are/were seeking a closer relationship with God through various forms of prayer was a very special and spiritual time of joy and celebration. (this time the emphasis on Liturgy of the Hours),
but past retreats have concentrated on Centering Prayer, Christian meditation, Lectio Divina, and other ways of growing in faith on our/their spiritual journeys. There seemed to be more unity of spirit among these participants than some “all
Catholic” prayer services I have attended. They even learned how to chant the psalms - for some had participated at Catholic monasteries in the chanting and wanted to practice it within the group.
I can’t help but feel that this is the kind of unity Jesus spoke of in Scripture - for a chapter in Scripture was devoted to the Pharisee who, while performing his “orders” not to touch anyone while on his way to lead prayer in the synagogue - past up the person on the wayside who begged for his help. Jesus was teaching an important lesson there - that rules are good for order - but one has to take the circumstances into account and “break” the rules when it seems the better action to take.
Yes we must study and understand the rules, and true - form a good conscience - but I think some of what has been said is sticking to the letter of the law rather than the spirit of praising, worshiping and loving God together with all of humanity.
I will always remain Catholic and practice my faith within the norms of the teaching Church - but I will use my free will, my conscience and circumstances when deciding what is correct for me to do and what is incorrect.
I have discussed this with priests who agree with my conclusions.
It has surprised me to hear what I presume are lay people who are taking such a strong stand on this, even this person today who is saying this is wrong for protestants to participate in also.
