Communion for non-Catholics in the Catholic church

[tweetymom]

1. My priest was the one who asked me to teach RCIA.
2. I do not, repeat do not teach anything contrary to CC teaching
3. I teach about prayer
4. I teach on personal ministries.
5. I would never tell anyone not to believe xyz of the CC, Have never been ask by the way

Perhaps you need to read this

 

[Apryl]

Finally, we come to Catholics themselves. As I said, Catholics should be in a state of grace and should fully understand the nature of the sacrament in order to receive worthily. Unfortunately, some do not. . .and this in no small way contributes to the anger and hurt of Protestants, who see those who ‘should NOT’ be receiving ‘permitted’ to do so simply because they call themselves Catholic and show up in Church. . . We need to pray for greater Catholic education and above all for a greater call to humility and obedience among all Catholics.

Excellent point:thumbsup:

I had an experience today that upset me… and I don’t know how to properly address it. Maybe I missed the moment.

I serve as an Extraordinary Minister at my church.

I was holding the Chalice.

A man approached, then turned back to the woman after him, and said, ‘So, do I do this too?’

The woman was a familiar face from the church. I suppose she brought him as a guest. It was obvious to me he was not only not Catholic, but probably not a regular church-goer.

I answered and said, ‘you don’t have to’, as he moved forward, towards my left arm. I presented the Chalice to the woman and she consumed. He then put his hand out (my gosh… as if it was the dressing for dinner) and I handed him the Chalice.

When they had both consumed, they went back their seat and talked while they were standing. After a couple of minutes, they sat/kneeled.

Now, a HUGE part of me wanted to say, ‘now you know you have no bizniz with this cup… go sit down’, or at least, ‘Are you Catholic?’, but I also know it’s not the right time: during Communion. I wanted to take the woman after Mass and tell her, ‘you do know that non-Catholics are not supposed to take communion, don’t you?’… but then, we have threads like this one that let me know that would not be a short discussion

After Mass on Sunday, I take communion to the sick and shut in. There is one woman who gets most of my attention, as she REALLY seems so moved by the sacrament… she is one of those who remind me how important and significant it is.

I don’t know how to get the word to those in the seats who barely listen to the homily, don’t go to RCIA, won’t read anything… but want to ‘let their friends’ take part in the cornerstone of our faith.

 

[CMatt25]

Excellent point:thumbsup:

I had an experience today that upset me… and I don’t know how to properly address it. Maybe I missed the moment.

I serve as an Extraordinary Minister at my church.

I was holding the Chalice.

A man approached, then turned back to the woman after him, and said, ‘So, do I do this too?’

The woman was a familiar face from the church. I suppose she brought him as a guest. It was obvious to me he was not only not Catholic, but probably not a regular church-goer.

I answered and said, ‘you don’t have to’, as he moved forward, towards my left arm. I presented the Chalice to the woman and she consumed. He then put his hand out (my gosh… as if it was the dressing for dinner) and I handed him the Chalice.

When they had both consumed, they went back their seat and talked while they were standing. After a couple of minutes, they sat/kneeled.

Now, a HUGE part of me wanted to say, ‘now you know you have no bizniz with this cup… go sit down’, or at least, ‘Are you Catholic?’, but I also know it’s not the right time: during Communion. I wanted to take the woman after Mass and tell her, ‘you do know that non-Catholics are not supposed to take communion, don’t you?’… but then, we have threads like this one that let me know that would not be a short discussion

After Mass on Sunday, I take communion to the sick and shut in. There is one woman who gets most of my attention, as she REALLY seems so moved by the sacrament… she is one of those who remind me how important and significant it is.

I don’t know how to get the word to those in the seats who barely listen to the homily, don’t go to RCIA, won’t read anything… but want to ‘let their friends’ take part in the cornerstone of our faith.

Apryl, please do not be upset. According to Christ (Jn 6:37) you did the correct thing. Look how this thread was degrading into attempting to bring someone down. I don’t know if sometimes we humans do this to make ourselves feel better so we tear another believer down or why. But by serving the gentleman as you did, you brought him closer to Christ. God bless you and peace be with you.

 

[Carlan]

Perhaps you need to read this

Originally Posted by tweetymom

1. My priest was the one who asked me to teach RCIA.

2. I do not, repeat do not teach anything contrary to CC teaching
3. I teach about prayer

1. I teach on personal ministries.

1. I would never tell anyone not to believe xyz of the CC, Have never been ask by the way

But why then do you not defend the faith here on Catholic Answers, Think of the thousands out there you are witnessing to in a negative way when you deny significant Catholic teaching .Are they not also entitled to being taught the Truth and nothing contrary to CC teaching. Please Tweety we love you and want you to be a warrior for the whole Truth. God help us all to see fully your whole Truth, Carlan

 

[Apryl]

Apryl, please do not be upset. According to Christ (Jn 6:37) you did the correct thing. Peace.

Thanks. I hope I did the right thing. I did what I did because I thought it was right. I hope you’re right.

But right or wrong I now need a way to address this. This woman probably didn’t know any better. How do I let her know?

Oh, well, it’s late. I have a few days to prepare for this

 

[tweetymom]

But why then do you not defend the faith here on Catholic Answers, Think of the thousands out there you are witnessing to in a negative way when you deny significant Catholic teaching .Are they not also entitled to being taught the Truth and nothing contrary to CC teaching. Please Tweety we love you and want you to be a warrior for the whole Truth. God help us all to see fully your whole Truth, Carlan

You know what this thread got mixed up and now it is about me. I have answered all your questions a hundred or more times. Taught the truth according to whom? I get the truth from reading the Bible. So end of making this thread about me.

 

[Apryl]

But why then do you not defend the faith here on Catholic Answers, Think of the thousands out there you are witnessing to in a negative way when you deny significant Catholic teaching .Are they not also entitled to being taught the Truth and nothing contrary to CC teaching. Please Tweety we love you and want you to be a warrior for the whole Truth. God help us all to see fully your whole Truth, Carlan

Echo!

(Very well put)

 

[CMatt25]

Thanks. I hope I did the right thing. I did what I did because I thought it was right. I hope you’re right.

But right or wrong I now need a way to address this. This woman probably didn’t know any better. How do I let her know?

Oh, well, it’s late. I have a few days to prepare for this

Apryl, I won’t comment on how to let her know but I did find this thread dealing with a similar situation as you faced which I had posted way back. Just thought it might help.

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=420744

 

[Reuben_J]

The difficulty seems to be (for the most part) among those few for whom the Eucharist is something which they personally do not agree with and do not accept, but (because it is ‘denied’ to them), they feel ‘must be given to them’.

This is in stark contrast to the group (and it is not that small a group) of nonCatholic Christians for whom the Eucharist is something that they understand, love and revere, but which they cannot have without becoming Catholics. . .and that step is one which they just cannot (yet) take. These people are often articulate, deeply loving Christians. If ‘merit’ were ‘All’ that was required to receive the Eucharist, surely these people would deserve it far above most, even most Catholics… .but merit is NOT all that is required. This is one of the difficulties for Catholic and Protestant alike. I am very thankful for the many fine Protestants in this category who, at great sacrifice to their own ‘desires’, respect the Catholic Church’s teaching and do not receive. These people are a wonderful Christian witness and I bless them and thank God for them.

Beautiful post. Very touching.

May God’s blessing and wisdom continue to be with you always.

 

[Apryl]

You know what this thread got mixed up and now it is about me. I have answered all your questions a hundred or more times. Taught the truth according to whom? I get the truth from reading the Bible. So end of making this thread about me.

I’m curious: Would you expect those of us on CAF to see something that is questionable and not say anything?

Would you feel better if we just ‘let it go’?

If you knew that someone else was out of order, would you feel right about remaining silent?

 

[O.S.Luke]

How many people hate nonCatholic Christians just for being “Christian?”
Do Lutherans hate Baptists?
Methodists hate Unitarians?
Quakers hate Seventh Day Adventists?
Non denoms hate other nondenoms?

Heck, do you Protestants even put upon the **ORTHODOX, who share the same ‘closed communion’ practice that Catholics do, the same reactions you have shared with us?

WHY NOT?
**

I don’t hate anyone (why does hate come into this conversation?). And yes, I am critical of any Christian body who refuses the eucharist to any repentant baptized Christian, which around here means Southern Baptists, Churches of Christ, and some (not all) Lutherans. But that’s my opinion. But I respect the opinion of those traditions who have a closed table to baptized Christians. I simply disagree with it on theological grounds.

Hate? That’s far too strong a word.

O+

 

[rinnie]

Who ‘pooh poohs’ a personal relationship with Christ? Certainly not Catholics. Our relationship with Him is so personal that we receive Him, Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity, in the Eucharist. . . in which all are invited to share. Of course, just as in the parable of the king who called people in from the **streets **to the wedding banquet. . .if you’re a guest without the ‘wedding garment’, then despite having been ‘invited’, you’ll still wind up ‘on the outside’.

IOW, God Himself has made the ‘rules’ for the reception of His Son. Rather than try to force a false ecumenism of 'warm fuzzy feelings" in which we put ourselves as ‘above’ God by making Him conform to our limited human demands for ‘inclusion’, we should be humbling ourselves, and being obedient to Him. Which we Catholics are doing when it comes to the Eucharist.

Come on, brothers and sisters! Do you think that we Catholics get all jolly about 'this situation? That we feel ‘superior’? Certainly many of the posts seem to portray Catholics as mean, nasty, domineering, unjust and nasty. . . a judgmental attitude indeed coming from those who purport to ‘judge not’. . .

Christ told us the world would hate us for following Him. Now, I’m not saying that this is a ‘proof’ of the innate truth of the Catholic Church, because heaven knows people are hated for all **sorts of things. . . **but think about this.

How many people hate nonCatholic Christians just for being “Christian?”
Do Lutherans hate Baptists?
Methodists hate Unitarians?
Quakers hate Seventh Day Adventists?
Non denoms hate other nondenoms?

Heck, do you Protestants even put upon the **ORTHODOX, who share the same ‘closed communion’ practice that Catholics do, the same reactions you have shared with us?

WHY NOT?
**

Not only do we have the gift of the Eucharist we have the Gift of the Holy Spirit entering into our souls days after our birth. This Grace of the Holy Spirit entering our souls not only helped us throughout our life, it let us take that Grace that was so freely given and let it grow in us. And bound us to Christ to where I know speaking for myself, I never knew a life without him.

What better of a Gift is there in this world that a parent can give to a Child that would overpower the gift of having the Holy Spirit of CHrist entered into their body and soul!!! Moments after entering this world.

How much more Personal can a relationship get then that??? We have had a personal relationship with God our Father through the Power of the Holy Spirit from the get go!!:extrahappy:

 

[Carlan]

Not only do we have the gift of the Eucharist we have the Gift of the Holy Spirit entering into our souls days after our birth. This Grace of the Holy Spirit entering our souls not only helped us throughout our life, it let us take that Grace that was so freely given and let it grow in us. And bound us to Christ to where I know speaking for myself, I never knew a life without him.

What better of a Gift is there in this world that a parent can give to a Child that would overpower the gift of having the Holy Spirit of CHrist entered into their body and soul!!! Moments after entering this world.

How much more Personal can a relationship get then that??? We have had a personal relationship with God our Father through the Power of the Holy Spirit from the get go!!:extrahappy:

 

[CMatt25]

I don’t hate anyone (why does hate come into this conversation?). And yes, I am critical of any Christian body who refuses the eucharist to any repentant baptized Christian, which around here means Southern Baptists, Churches of Christ, and some (not all) Lutherans. But that’s my opinion. But I respect the opinion of those traditions who have a closed table to baptized Christians. I simply disagree with it on theological grounds.

Hate? That’s far too strong a word.

O+

 

[jmcrae]

Thanks. I hope I did the right thing. I did what I did because I thought it was right. I hope you’re right.

But right or wrong I now need a way to address this. This woman probably didn’t know any better. How do I let her know?

Oh, well, it’s late. I have a few days to prepare for this

Apryl, it’s not in your hands. Once they start approaching for Holy Communion, the time for teaching has passed. Not even the priest can refuse anyone, once they have entered the Communion line-up.

However, you should mention the incident to your priest, and maybe suggest an educational campaign - leaflets in the pews that explain who may receive Holy Communion, a paragraph in the Bulletin reminding people of the basics (include everything - don’t just target the non-Catholics, but re-educate the gum-chewers, too, while you’re at it) and maybe some informational posters on the bulletin board near the entrance of the Church, together with information about how to join the RCIA, for those who are interested in becoming Catholic.

 

[Carlan]

I don’t hate anyone (why does hate come into this conversation?). And yes, I am critical of any Christian body who refuses the eucharist to any repentant baptized Christian, which around here means Southern Baptists, Churches of Christ, and some (not all) Lutherans. But that’s my opinion. But I respect the opinion of those traditions who have a closed table to baptized Christians. I simply disagree with it on theological grounds.

Hate? That’s far too strong a word.

O+

Luke. Catholics believe that when we rec’ the Eucharist , we are receiving the Body, Blood , soul and Divinity of Jesus into our being. Receiving Eucharist during the unbloody sacrifice of the Mass is truly at the very center of our Christian worship, unless you believe this, you are not in communion with the the Catholic Church.
With the exception of possibly two or three P denominations, most Protestants believe communion is only symbolic. Under those circumstances it would be most wrong for them to partake of what they do not accept or believe.

What I have just expressed has been said many times in many more beautiful ways in this thread. Can you not accept it? God bless and shine on all of us your revealing light,Carlan

 

[CMatt25]

Not even the priest can refuse anyone, once they have entered the Communion line-up.

Indeed. Let us share in Christ. I love this. :grouphug:

 

[SteveVH]

What a bunch of baloney. Please don’t get me started started about the sacraments. I made my communion and confirmation in the 60’s & 70’s. I had NO IDEA what they were about. Do you want to know why? The nuns refused to talk to us public school kids because we didn’t go to the Catholic school. All the time dragged out of line by our hair saying - “Get in the back of the line where you belong - you’re too poor to stand with the rest of us.” Enough said or would you like to hear more? So tell me - what does one have to do to be chosen? WHAT? Tell me because I would love to hear it.

Let me just say this. I choose to not partake in Communion in the Catholic church BECAUSE all people (including me) are not welcomed to do so.

I take Communion at my church who welcomes all to the table.

Wow, its been awhile since I’ve heard someone so bitter. So you had some bad nuns teaching you. You had no idea what they [the sacraments] were about. I’m really sorry you had such a bad experience with certain PEOPLE within the Church. I went to Catholic School and never experienced anything close to this. Nor did I experience nuns treating those that didn’t go to Catholic school as somehow less than others. Those that do are not following the teaching of the Catholic Church.

However, this has nothing to do with the nature of the Eucharist and handing it out to those who do not believe what it is. As to being chosen, you are chosen when you respond to God’s invitation. When you reject that invitation (to become a part of the Body of Christ) you have made your own choice.

Your assessment that the sacraments are baloney is quite a statment to make when you admit that you know nothing about them. How do you draw such a conclusion out of ignorance? As I said, it isn’t the Church’s fault that those who reject its understanding of the Eucharist then turn around and get upset because they are not allowed to receive what they don’t believe in in the first place. If you don’t believe in the real presence, why would you want to receive?

 

[O.S.Luke]

Luke. Catholics believe that when we rec’ the Eucharist , we are receiving the Body, Blood , soul and Divinity of Jesus into our being. Receiving Eucharist during the unbloody sacrifice of the Mass is truly at the very center of our Christian worship, unless you believe this, you are not in communion with the the Catholic Church.
With the exception of possibly two or three P denominations, most Protestants believe communion is only symbolic. Under those circumstances it would be most wrong for them to partake of what they do not accept or believe.

What I have just expressed has been said many times in many more beautiful ways in this thread. Can you not accept it? God bless and shine on all of us your revealing light,Carlan

I am well aware of what Catholics believe. I am of a tradition that does not believe that communion is symbolic, and that Christ is really present at the Eucharist.

I certainly accept Catholic teaching on the matter, but that doesn’t mean I find agreement with it. It simply seems less than consistent to deny Christ to one who believes in the Real Presence, received a Trinitarian baptism, and has confessed and repented of their son.

I don’t expect the Catholic Church to change on that. However, as I said before, it is because of this teaching that I cannot in good conscience become Catholic.

Pax,

O+

 

[jmcrae]

What a bunch of baloney. Please don’t get me started started about the sacraments. I made my communion and confirmation in the 60’s & 70’s. I had NO IDEA what they were about. Do you want to know why? The nuns refused to talk to us public school kids because we didn’t go to the Catholic school. All the time dragged out of line by our hair saying - “Get in the back of the line where you belong - you’re too poor to stand with the rest of us.” Enough said or would you like to hear more? So tell me - what does one have to do to be chosen? WHAT? Tell me because I would love to hear it.

I went to public school. We had a math teacher in elementary school that beat kids who didn’t get the answers right. One time she even broke a kid’s arm because he was talking out of turn in class.

You know what? I don’t let that stop me from balancing my cheque book once a month.