Communion at episcopal before becoming Catholic

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Agnus-Dei

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I went to an episcopal service last week after usual mass. I was curious as to the nature of the service.
Robin Williams described it as “Catholic lite”, and it does seem to fit. After going Catholic for just over a year now, this was different enough. No disrespect intended: I did enjoy the service, but it did seem to “lack” something for me.
I had a brief chat with the priest, and usher about 4 minutes before the start. All I mentioned was I was there to observe to satisfy my curiosity. During the “distribute communion tour of the church” he paused at me. I quickly crossed my arms as I do at the Catholic church. He blessed, and moved on. After almost everyone had taken, the usher looked at me and gestured that I could receive if I chose.
I am baptized Southern Baptist, (hold the jeers) and my first RCIA session is tomorrow. Should I have accepted?
Dominus vobiscum
 
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“Communion” comes from the Latin “com” (with) and “union” - so “union with”. Do you consider yourself one with the Episcopal beliefs? If yes, you should take. If not, I’d say refrain.
 
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If you did not feel comfortable, and it sounds like you were not, then no.

Best wishes to you as you begin RCIA!
 
You are not a Catholic yet. Their communion is a piece of bread. No faithful Catholic can take communion from a Protestant community because they would be saying they are in communion with this body of believers. If they are Catholic, then they are not in communion with those believers and it would be sinful to take it.
 
Makes sense. I didn’t want to appear rude, but did not want to falsely act like one of the group either.
Afterwards I read about their church teachings, very different. I wont get into the details as to prevent a three-fer post removed by staff note. I will say in short, respectfully, I do not agree.
Dominus vobiscum
There are most likely a few at “my church” that see me there, every week for the past year and wonder why I never receive. (Not during the lockdown, but every Sunday save one where I had to work)
 
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Agnus-Dei said:
All I mentioned was I was there to observe to satisfy my curiosity.
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If you were there as a “tourist”, and not as a worshipper, you should not receive communion.

The principal issue in another community is whether you are welcomed at their communion. It is always best to ask. At an Episcopal or Anglican service, they probably welcome any baptized person, but it is still best to ask.
 
True. They offer to all from what I’ve read. (I was baptized about 35 years ago, so would have been fine with them if they asked)
Baptized, believed, and then fell away so hard I bounced. Attending RCIA in 5 hours, 30 minutes from now. (Who’s counting?)
Dominus vobiscum
 
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Not all Anglicans do so. My parish requirement for receiving is to be baptized, and also confirmed by a bishop in Apostolic Succession.

Yes, I know.
 
Thank you. It will be a bit odd. I have been talking to the priest after every Sunday service for a year now. Submitting my odd questions for discussion and getting clarification on things. More like “individual” instruction actually.
Social distance will be observed. Banquet tables in a square with space in the middle I understand. With teachers, this should be about, (gasp!) seven to nine people.
Dominus vobiscum
 
Dressing to go for RCIA now. I’ll post when I return.
Dominus vobiscum
 
It was a very short meet and greet with some points on protocol. A few more on basic ideas. Short question/answer, period which there were none. We were given a couple papers to fill out and “see you next week”. Next week brings a textbook, and introduction.
My “group” including myself, is three persons. Two others were no-show, and one is quarantined.
One less person and we’d fail to meet the concept of a “group”.
Dominus vobiscum
 
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