Communion at Protestant churches

[BigDave31]

I will tell you how I felt. I had been a Catholic convert of about 2 years at the time. I was visiting my son and his family on a Sunday. It happened to be Communion Sunday at his Church of the Nazerine. I was not expecting it since it weas the last Sunday of thed month. Usually protestant churches have communion on the first Sunday of each month. Well I had l,ittle time to decide what to do. I was sitting there with my son and 3 grandchildren. At the last minute I justified my taking communion. I said"After all Lord, this is only a craker and grape juice. Not the real Presence. So I recieved communion. It stayed on my conscience for the next two weeks. Finally I could not stand it any longer. I got to confession and told ther whole story to my priest. What a load was lifted from my mind. I believe the Holy Spirit wopuld not let up until I got this resolved through confession . It is proof enough for me that a catholic should not ever recieve communion any where biut from his church. Otherwise it is not real. It is not the True Presence. And it takes away from your confession of the true faith. It cheapens it in my opnion.

 

[thirdn6]

What you said is true. It happened to me before, BigDave31. I drunk the wine. Pretty soon I wanted to take it out of my system. But I couldn’t. The memory persisted and bothered me for a very long time until I went to confession.

See? It was only a ‘fellowship act’ but it tortured me nonetheless…

Now I can only thank God how the true Eucharist, the true flesh and blood, in the form of bread and wine, of our Lord Jesus Christ in the Catholic Mass, is making so much transformation in my life.
It is so redeeming I can’t explain I always want to try to attend the first Mass on Sundays… always.

 

[viper78912]

Soteriology (the study of Salvation) teaches us that Jesus Christ did not die for religion. He Died for all mankind. (John3:16).

 

[pismopal]

Do you not get how bigoted and offensive this is? If I told you to enjoy the crackers and wine at your Church, you would be offended, and rightly so. I don’t do that because Christ is spiritually present is both of our Communions, and because it would be rude.

I don’t get as easilly offended as some might, or as you seem to be. I don’t eat crackers and grape juice anymore…I take the Body and Blood of our Lord, just as he promised in Scripture. You could make all the remarks you want and it would not change the truth…this is why I am not thin skinned about it. You can get as excited as you want but it does not change the fact that you are getting crackers and grape juice and if your gathering of Baptists are like mine were you only get that once a month and then sometimes only at the “evening service”.
Now the question for you…if it is not crackers and grape juice you are taking…what is it? What do you want them to be, if they are not? These are serious questions…take some time out from being “offended” and ask yourself these questions. Read John 6 carefully and then ask yourself again. Are you going to walk away and say " These are hard sayings…who can believe them?"
One last item…did you know that a large…very large according to my Priest…percentage of Catholic converts come from the Baptist denom ( as I did ). Any ideas why?
Can I just remind you that almost everything Christ said ( the things recorded in scripture that is) offended someone.

 

[jmcrae]

Soteriology (the study of Salvation) teaches us that Jesus Christ did not die for religion. He Died for all mankind. (John3:16).

Does all mankind receive salvation automatically, or are we bound (religio) to follow the Way of Christ?

 

[jargon631]

If you’re not Catholic, and you don’t know the answer, you should probably not be answering questions on the Catholic Answers Forum that pertain to what the Catholic Church actually believes and teaches.

As it turns out, according to Church law, it is forbidden for Catholics to receive Holy Communion in any church other than the Catholic Church - and it also turns out that the reason is that each different denomination has its own understanding of the meaning of Holy Communion (hence the term, “denomination”).

thank you for such a thoughtful and considerate response!!!..btw…i dont beleive that this site is limited to those who are catholic and if you cant take some gentle questioning then i would suggest some chamomile tea…i hear it’s very relaxing…but, i digress…isnt this a discussion forum?..isnt everyone allowed to ask questions…as to your comment about “not knowing the answer” and not “answering questions”, i further suggest that being a bit less snappish would serve you better in the future…have a lovely day…fd…:extrahappy:

 

[jargon631]

Well you’d be wrong, it does matter as has been pointed out by many on here already, perhaps you missed this. We Catholics may not receive at their services and they ought not to receive at our Masses.:

In keeping with the sacramental meaning of the Eucharist this canon reserves the sacraments to Catholics, that is, those who are in communion with the Church. It then addresses the question of Catholics receiving the sacraments from non-Catholics. It sets the following strict conditions:

a. necessity or genuine spiritual advantage
b. when the danger of error or indifferentism is avoided
c. it is physically or morally impossible to approach a Catholic minister
d. a church which has valid sacraments

This last condition is the key one, since it eliminates ALL the Reformation churches (Anglican, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist etc.), none of whom have valid sacred orders, and therefore, a valid Eucharist. The possibility of a Catholic receiving from the minister of another church, when the first three conditions are fulfilled, is limited to the Orthodox Churches, other Oriental Churches, Old Catholics, Polish National and others whose sacraments are recognized by the Holy See. As paragraph 3 notes, the members of those churches may likewise receive from a Catholic minister, when they ask and are disposed.

Under what conditions, therefore, may non-Catholics from the Reformation churches receive? Paragraph 4 addresses this matter and sets stricter conditions than for non-Catholics who belong to Churches which have a valid Eucharist, true Eucharistic faith and valid Penance. These conditions are:

(read the rest here)

well…i understand that it’s the way you feel, but there is absolutely no reason to address me in an uncivil manner …have a lovely day…fd:thumbsup:
ewtn.com/expert/answers/intercommunion.htm

 

[jmcrae]

thank you for such a thoughtful and considerate response!!!..btw…i dont beleive that this site is limited to those who are catholic and if you cant take some gentle questioning

You were not “questioning” - you were presenting yourself as an expert, and giving the wrong answer.

I don’t mind people questioning - questions are good. But what is the point, if people are going to give wrong answers?

I was simply pointing out that you had given the incorrect answer, and that next time you make yourself the expert, you should do the research ahead of time, so as not to mislead the people who are asking the questions.

 

[JonNC]

I don’t get as easilly offended as some might, or as you seem to be. I don’t eat crackers and grape juice anymore…I take the Body and Blood of our Lord, just as he promised in Scripture. You could make all the remarks you want and it would not change the truth…this is why I am not thin skinned about it.

So, being thick-skinned is an excuse for being rude and uncharitable.

You TAKE the body and blood of Christ. Why, that almost sounds like you deserve it, demand it, as if it were rightfully yours. How arrogant! Most people I talk to, be they Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran , any and all who believe in the real presence, will say the humbly receive it.

Jon

 

[JonNC]

You TAKE the body and blood of Christ. Why, that almost sounds like you deserve it, demand it, as if it were rightfully yours. How arrogant! Most people I talk to, be they Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran , any and all who believe in the real presence, will say the humbly receive it.

I first wish to apologize for these remarks. I am certain that you did not intend your comments to reflect that kind of an attitude, that you are more than likely reverent and humble when you are at the Lord’s table.
All I want to demonstrate is that words can hurt, and the fact that we are not face to face does not diminish how words can hurt. When some people here and elsewhere call Catholics “cracker worshippers”, it can hurt, thick-skinned or not, because they are intended to be hurtful words. Same the other way around. And Christians ought to try to refain from hurtful words addressed at each other.

Jon

 

[Paul3144]

I don’t get as easilly offended as some might, or as you seem to be. I don’t eat crackers and grape juice anymore…I take the Body and Blood of our Lord, just as he promised in Scripture. You could make all the remarks you want and it would not change the truth…this is why I am not thin skinned about it.

So you’re just going to be rude.

You can get as excited as you want but it does not change the fact that you are getting crackers and grape juice and if your gathering of Baptists are like mine were you only get that once a month and then sometimes only at the “evening service”.

I will agree with you that we don’t do it often enough. However, perhaps one day my autonomous, local Church will change to a greater frequency.

Now the question for you…if it is not crackers and grape juice you are taking…what is it?

The unleavened bread which is broken by the Pastor and the fruit of the vine undergo no ontological changes. However, as with many early Baptists and a significant minority of modern Baptists, I affirm Christ’s teaching of His Real Spiritual Presence.

What do you want them to be, if they are not?

I want them to be just as Christ intended according to His promise.

These are serious questions…take some time out from being “offended” and ask yourself these questions. Read John 6 carefully and then ask yourself again. Are you going to walk away and say " These are hard sayings…who can believe them?"

No, I’m going to continue to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him as my only hope for salvation.

One last item…did you know that a large…very large according to my Priest…percentage of Catholic converts come from the Baptist denom ( as I did ). Any ideas why?
Can I just remind you that almost everything Christ said ( the things recorded in scripture that is) offended someone.

I think the large numbers of Baptists converting to Catholicism is that some Baptists tend to come across as disconnected from the rest of Christianity. With that said, I think that there is a movement among some Baptists to become more “in tune” with the greater Christian tradition and I see that as a very good thing.

It is true that Jesus’ words did offend many people. Are you trying to compare your anger with His perfect righteous anger towards those who needed it?

 

[pismopal]

So, being thick-skinned is an excuse for being rude and uncharitable.

You TAKE the body and blood of Christ. Why, that almost sounds like you deserve it, demand it, as if it were rightfully yours. How arrogant! Most people I talk to, be they Catholic, Orthodox, Lutheran , any and all who believe in the real presence, will say the humbly receive it.

Jon

Jon
Since you wish to be punctillious in word usage…I said I was not thin skinned not “thick skinned”. Your assessment of my character is mildly interesting…have a nice day being polite…humble and self righteous.

 

[pismopal]

So you’re just going to be rude.
Please grow up…that is the way junior high school girls resolve differences.

I will agree with you that we don’t do it often enough. However, perhaps one day my autonomous, local Church will change to a greater frequency.

My autonomous worldwide Church settled the question for me.

The unleavened bread which is broken by the Pastor and the fruit of the vine undergo no ontological changes. However, as with many early Baptists and a significant minority of modern Baptists, I affirm Christ’s teaching of His Real Spiritual Presence.

I am sorry that your gatherings are in disagreement with what Christ said about the issue.

I want them to be just as Christ intended according to His promise.

So do I…that is why I am Catholic. Is it so big a leap for you…seriously?

No, I’m going to continue to follow the Lord Jesus Christ and trust Him as my only hope for salvation.

Christ left us a Church…and the Holy Spirit…this was His plan not ours

I think the large numbers of Baptists converting to Catholicism is that some Baptists tend to come across as disconnected from the rest of Christianity. With that said, I think that there is a movement among some Baptists to become more “in tune” with the greater Christian tradition and I see that as a very good thing.
Whatever you think their reasons are…as one of them(formerly) I welcome them…with love
It is true that Jesus’ words did offend many people. Are you trying to compare your anger with His perfect righteous anger towards those who needed it?

And my anger is defined as having said something you don’t like? Sir…the truth is not anger. When my teenagers heard something they didn’t like…it was anger. If you are sure you are in the right place…I am happy for you. I was a little disappointed at your evasion of John 6. There it is…have you read it?

 

[pismopal]

paul3134
I apologize for my poor use of this format. My sentence and yours are scarcely discernable but there if you look hard.

 

[pismopal]

Soteriology (the study of Salvation) teaches us that Jesus Christ did not die for religion. He Died for all mankind. (John3:16).

Please excuse me humbly and sincerely for asking…(you have to be careful here or be labled as rude and arrogant) …where was I? …oh yes…are you sure that “Soteriology” is a study that we should all buy into? I think the Bible has some more on the subject of salvation that might tend to narrow it down a little…forgive me …just a thought.

 

[JonNC]

Jon
Since you wish to be punctillious in word usage…I said I was not thin skinned not “thick skinned”. Your assessment of my character is mildly interesting…have a nice day being polite…humble and self righteous.

It seems you missed my point, claryfied in the second post. Alas, it was rather a poor way to demonstrate what I was trying to say. I sincerely apologize, as I never intended to impune your character. Please forgive me.

Jon

 

[pismopal]

It seems you missed my point, claryfied in the second post. Alas, it was rather a poor way to demonstrate what I was trying to say. I sincerely apologize, as I never intended to impune your character. Please forgive me.

Jon

Done…and thank you

 

[JonNC]

Done…and thank you

Thank you, and His peace.

Jon

 

[jargon631]

You were not “questioning” - you were presenting yourself as an expert, and giving the wrong answer.

I don’t mind people questioning - questions are good. But what is the point, if people are going to give wrong answers?

I was simply pointing out that you had given the incorrect answer, and that next time you make yourself the expert, you should do the research ahead of time, so as not to mislead the people who are asking the questions.

ummmmm…how was i representing myself as an expert?..didnt i say upfront ***that i didnt ***know what church law was?..i would think that was quite clear…as a non-christian, and having never been catholic, how could i be anything other than a questioner?..i can only hope that your misrepresentation of my remarks is not deliberate, and will not continue in future postings…my statement was only my opinion… ***wouldnt the ******words “i would think” make that rather clear?..***surely you can tell the difference between an opinion and an unequivocal statement…right?..fd:thumbsup:

 

[jmcrae]

ummmmm…how was i representing myself as an expert?..didnt i say upfront ***that i didnt ***know what church law was?..i would think that was quite clear…as a non-christian, and having never been catholic, how could i be anything other than a questioner?..i can only hope that your misrepresentation of my remarks is not deliberate, and will not continue in future postings…my statement was only my opinion… ***wouldnt the ******words “i would think” make that rather clear?..***surely you can tell the difference between an opinion and an unequivocal statement…right?..fd:thumbsup:

Look - I’m not trying to be mean to you. If you don’t know the answer, don’t answer the question; it’s that simple.

The person on the other end has no way of knowing that you have never been inside of a Catholic church before. They are assuming that the answers are being given by well-educated and knowledgeable Catholics because of the name of the web site - “Catholic Answers.” Not “Peoplewhodon’tknowanythingbuthavepersonalopinions Answers.”