Eucharist to people whose faith is unknown to Euchristic Minister

[Hmgbrd]

These are not my words, but the words of Jesus. What I am saying is that out of all the gifts and graces that God has ever given us the Eucharist (Himself, body, blood, soul and divinity) is the greatest gift of all.

The Eucharist is not common and never should be treated as such. People should desire the Eucharist, but God has chosen an ordinary means in which this should be received. Catholic or protestant should be baptized, and they should be in a state of sanctifying grace. It is easier for the EMHC to assume the Catholic receiving the Eucharist has already been catechized an understand this eventhough it may not be true. The protestant receiving would most likely not know this, so it is not charitable when he ask the EMHC for the fish that does not die to be given a snake (MT 7:10). If the person is in a state of mortal sin he will be profaning Jesus, and that would not be his/her intention, but it is what would occur.

The elderly love to be visited, and would love to have someone come to expound the Gospel. I am sure the priest would not require a full RCIA instruction, but some instruction should be warranted. After all many would receive greater benefit from the sacrament of reconciliation than the Eucharist. The prodigal son would not be so moving if he decided to return and demanded that rings be put on his finger first. Instead he humbled himself and asked forgiveness and then the Father bestowed all the gifts of love upon his child.

Thank you.

 

[ComplineSanFran]

These are not my words, but the words of Jesus. What I am saying is that out of all the gifts and graces that God has ever given us the Eucharist (Himself, body, blood, soul and divinity) is the greatest gift of all.

The Eucharist is not common and never should be treated as such. People should desire the Eucharist, but God has chosen an ordinary means in which this should be received. Catholic or protestant should be baptized, and they should be in a state of sanctifying grace. It is easier for the EMHC to assume the Catholic receiving the Eucharist has already been catechized an understand this eventhough it may not be true. The protestant receiving would most likely not know this, so it is not charitable when he ask the EMHC for the fish that does not die to be given a snake (MT 7:10). If the person is in a state of mortal sin he will be profaning Jesus, and that would not be his/her intention, but it is what would occur.

The elderly love to be visited, and would love to have someone come to expound the Gospel. I am sure the priest would not require a full RCIA instruction, but some instruction should be warranted. After all many would receive greater benefit from the sacrament of reconciliation than the Eucharist. The prodigal son would not be so moving if he decided to return and demanded that rings be put on his finger first. Instead he humbled himself and asked forgiveness and then the Father bestowed all the gifts of love upon his child.

Oh, I so disagree with you. I don’t want to get into Scripture battles, but if I am pastorally caring for the sick and elderly, I care for them without condition. RCIA? I don’t think so. Reconciliation instead? If they are not in the habit of confession, then what help will that be?

If someone is hungry and I have the Bread of Life, I feed them. Do you really think that Christ is standing by with a check list? ‘You, you, not you…’

 

[JimG]

I am an EMHC and have been for many years. Over the time I have served, I have been in charge of the ministry of taking Holy Communion to the homebound and hospitalized in 3 parishes in 3 states. I have always been taught to introduce myself and say that I heard that they had asked to receive Catholic Holy Communion. This introduction has usually been enough for them to say, “oh, I’m not Catholic, but would like communion” at which point I offer to pray with them and to call a chaplain or have the nurse call their minister to bring them communion. If for some reason they just say yes, then clearly have no idea what to do (don’t cross themselves, don’t know the proper responses, etc., I was taught to stop and ask them if they’re Catholic. If they aren’t, I pray with them. It has never been awkward or uncomfortable. They seem to benefit from praying together, and I always follow up with either the chaplain or the nurse. If they’re in a nursing home, I also check in with them the next time I visit, to insure they did have an opportunity to receive communion from the chaplain or their minister. More often, I run into fallen away Catholics who list “Catholic” as their religion although they haven’t been to Mass in years. For these people, I have the priest visit (if they desire it-and many do!). As an EMHC, we have a wonderful privilege to bring Christ to those unable to attend Mass but we also have a responsibility to honor the teaching of the church.

This sounds like you have given everyone a chance to identify whether or not they are Catholic. That is a good thing, and it is good to pray with those who are unable to receive the Eucharist. Even though the conditions for receiving holy communion are or should be well understood, there has been a lot of confusion which has arisen over the years.

 

[ProVobis]

but they still should not be receiving at the Catholic church.

And who will stop them? Communion at every opportunity has been so ingrained and not only among Catholics apparently.

 

[Hans_W]

Oh, I so disagree with you. I don’t want to get into Scripture battles, but if I am pastorally caring for the sick and elderly, I care for them without condition. RCIA? I don’t think so. Reconciliation instead? If they are not in the habit of confession, then what help will that be?

If someone is hungry and I have the Bread of Life, I feed them. Do you really think that Christ is standing by with a check list? ‘You, you, not you…’

Some Catholics seem to have a very narrow view of Christianity.
We need an Anglican to remind us of our Christian duties.

 

[7_Sorrows]

And who will stop them? Communion at every opportunity has been so ingrained and not only among Catholics apparently.

I guess it is the responsibility of the people bringing them to Mass to tell them. I am sure every week there are people lining up to receive the Eucharist who should not be receiving. But if you are bringing someone to Mass you know is not Catholic it is your responsibility to advise them they cannot receive the Eucharist because they are not in commune with the Catholic church.

 

[ProVobis]

I guess it is the responsibility of the people bringing them to Mass to tell them. I am sure every week there are people lining up to receive the Eucharist who should not be receiving. But if you are bringing someone to Mass you know is not Catholic it is your responsibility to advise them they cannot receive the Eucharist because they are not in commune with the Catholic church.

I agree but seeing how so many people emphasize the reception of the Eucharist, good luck in inviting them to attend Mass and then to refrain while everyone around them is receiving. This is especially evident at funeral Masses, and one of the reasons I may go to the wake but will refrain from attending the Mass.

 

[JimG]

I agree but seeing how so many people emphasize the reception of the Eucharist, good luck in inviting them to attend Mass and then to refrain while everyone around them is receiving. This is especially evident at funeral Masses, and one of the reasons I may go to the wake but will refrain from attending the Mass.

A good start would be to end the practice of having ushers bring up the communion line pew by pew. That gives the impression that everyone is expected to receive. It would be better to call attention to the requirements in the front of every missalette.

 

[ProVobis]

If they are not in the habit of confession, then what help will that be?

Then of what worth is Catholicism to them? AFAIK, confession is unique to Catholicism (and yes Orthodoxy as well), whereas communion not so much. Yes, we can sit here and argue validity, Real Presence, and all that but most of that seems to be lost when everyone sees everyone else form lines to receive.

 

[ProVobis]

and it is good to pray with those who are unable to receive the Eucharist.

Indeed. There may be times during a hospital stay, especially on the day of surgery, where one cannot consume anything, but is happy to get some prayers offered for him/her.

 

[Hmgbrd]

Yes I also agree. We also must remember that no one has a “right” to receive our Lord. We are all unworthy. The Eucharist should be approached with humility and not entitlement.

 

[Zoltan_Cobalt]

Oh, I so disagree with you. I don’t want to get into Scripture battles, but if I am pastorally caring for the sick and elderly, I care for them without condition. RCIA? I don’t think so. Reconciliation instead? If they are not in the habit of confession, then what help will that be?

If someone is hungry and I have the Bread of Life, I feed them. Do you really think that Christ is standing by with a check list? ‘You, you, not you…’

“Because they have not received baptism, the gateway to the other sacraments, non-Christians cannot receive Communion.”

U.S. bishops’ guidelines for receiving Communion

 

[EasterJoy]

Oh, I so disagree with you. I don’t want to get into Scripture battles, but if I am pastorally caring for the sick and elderly, I care for them without condition. RCIA? I don’t think so. Reconciliation instead? If they are not in the habit of confession, then what help will that be?

If someone is hungry and I have the Bread of Life, I feed them. Do you really think that Christ is standing by with a check list? ‘You, you, not you…’

Scriptural battles are not at all necessary, since the Magesterium is entirely clear with regards to the laws and teachings of the Church on this matter. It is not up for debate and it is not up for personal interpretation.

Since I trust you are not a bishop and probably not even a priest, you do not have the pastoral authority to make these decisions. It is disobedient, not to mention ignorant, to proceed in the manner you are suggesting.

***Can. 840 The **sacraments of the New Testament were instituted by Christ the Lord and entrusted to the Church.

As actions of Christ and the Church, they are signs and means which express and strengthen the faith, render worship to God, and effect the sanctification of humanity and thus contribute in the greatest way to establish, strengthen, and manifest ecclesiastical communion. Accordingly, in the celebration of the sacraments the sacred ministers and the other members of the Christian faithful must use the greatest veneration and necessary diligence.

Can. 841 Since the sacraments are the same for the whole Church and belong to the divine deposit, it is only for the supreme authority of the Church to approve or define the requirements for their validity; it is for the same or another competent authority according to the norm of ⇒ can. 838 §§3 and 4 to decide what pertains to their licit celebration, administration, and reception and to the order to be observed in their celebration.

**Can. 842 §1. **A person who has not received baptism cannot be admitted validly to the other sacraments.

§2. The sacraments of baptism, confirmation, and the Most Holy Eucharist are interrelated in such a way that they are required for full Christian initiation.

**Can. 843 §1. **Sacred ministers cannot deny the sacraments to those who seek them at appropriate times, are properly disposed, and are not prohibited by law from receiving them.

§2. Pastors of souls and other members of the Christian faithful, according to their respective ecclesiastical function, have the duty to take care that those who seek the sacraments are prepared to receive them by proper evangelization and catechetical instruction, attentive to the norms issued by competent authority.

Can. 844 §1. Catholic ministers administer the sacraments licitly to Catholic members of the Christian faithful alone, who likewise receive them licitly from Catholic ministers alone, without prejudice to the prescripts of §§2, 3, and 4 of this canon, and ⇒ can. 861, §2.*

Look at Canon 843. You have the DUTY as an extraordinary minister of the Eucharist to take care that those who seek to receive Holy Communion have been prepared to receive them.

In other words, it is not a matter of " 'You, you, not you…" It is a matter of “you have been prepared, you have been prepared, you are in need of full reception into the Church before you are prepared…”** Someone who is not prepared to be fully received into the Church is not prepared to receive Holy Communion.** If someone is prepared to be received into the Church, then by all means alert your pastor and allow them to get that show on the road. I have no doubt that your bishop has ways for the pastors in his diocese to handle this process with regards to those who are hospitalized.

 

[Zoltan_Cobalt]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hans W View Post
You are twisting my response here. The person who wants to receive Holy Communion is obviously a Christian and we can assume that he/she will receive the Body and Blood of our Lord in a “worthy manner”.

And where does this “throwing children’s bread to the dogs” fit in?

We are talking about a nursing home here. Do you want to force them to go through RCIA?

Non-Catholics cannot receive Holy Communion under normal circumstances. Yes, they would have to go through RCIA and be received into the Church before they could partake in the Eucharist.

No. RCIA is not necessary…if they are Christian.

“If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community** and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed”** (CIC 844 § 4).

 

[7_Sorrows]

A good start would be to end the practice of having ushers bring up the communion line pew by pew. That gives the impression that everyone is expected to receive. It would be better to call attention to the requirements in the front of every missalette.

I agree.

 

[EasterJoy]

No. RCIA is not necessary…if they are Christian.

“If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community** and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed”** (CIC 844 § 4).

Why did you not bold the part that says “cannot approach a minister of their own community” or “in the judgment of the diocesan bishop”? Has your pastor told you that what you are doing is according to the instructions of your bishop? Do you take the trouble to see if the person *cannot in fact *approach a minister of his or her own community? Has your pastor told you what your bishop has said constitutes a grave necessity, other than danger of death?

If so, fine. Keep in mind, though, that you have received instruction proper for your diocese only. If not, you are suggesting doing something that is almost certainly illicit. Generally speaking, “Can. 844 §1. Catholic ministers administer the sacraments licitly to Catholic members of the Christian faithful alone.” That means that RCIA is usually necessary for those not in danger of death. Those who are in danger of death deserve the ministrations of a priest, if at all possible. It ought to be a pastor attending to the exceptions to this rule, at any rate, unless this is simply not possible. That is extremely rare in the United States.

 

[ProVobis]

No. RCIA is not necessary…if they are Christian.

“If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments ** and are properly disposed”** (CIC 844 § 4).

One would have to live a lifetime without mortal sin to be able to receive without confession. Just sayin…

 

[ComplineSanFran]

No. RCIA is not necessary…if they are Christian.

“If the danger of death is present or other grave necessity, in the judgment of the diocesan bishop or the conference of bishops, Catholic ministers may licitly administer these sacraments to other Christians who do not have full Communion with the Catholic Church, who cannot approach a minister of their own community** and on their own ask for it, provided they manifest Catholic faith in these sacraments and are properly disposed”** (CIC 844 § 4).

There you go. And even if death is not imminent, my guess is that anyone of faith who is in a care facility and asking for the Eucharist would be seen as fitting in this category.

 

[Zoltan_Cobalt]

Some Catholics seem to have a very narrow view of Christianity.
We need an Anglican to remind us of our Christian duties.

Thanks for the reminder, Hans.

Anglicans can take liberties with their Eucharist since consecration depends on the existence of a valid priesthood. Pope Leo XIII declared that Anglican orders were invalid in 1896.

We can learn a lot from our Anglican brothers and sisters and pray for their reconciliation someday…but please don’t tell us how to administer the Sacraments.

 

[EasterJoy]

One would have to live a lifetime without mortal sin to be able to receive without confession. Just sayin…

Well…a Christian who has honestly never committed a sin that they understood to be grave matter might not have a mortal sin on their soul for which they are mortally culpable. It is entirely possible that a Protestant might remain ignorant of the seriousness of some sins by no fault of their own and that they might have avoided the serious sins of which they are aware since their baptisms. The Holy Spirit blows where He will, and not all Christians who are outside the Church are outside by any real fault of their own.

Still, it is for the pastors of souls to decide who is a candidate for fast-track reception into the Church or who may be admitted to the sacraments without that. I highly doubt that any extraordinary ministers have the authority to make that call, save when there is an imminent danger of death, not in any building within 10 miles of a parish church.