Help with an Episcopalian friend: Ideas welcome

[Kathryn_Ann]

Hi,

I welcome ideas on how to reach a dear Episcopalian friend who, despite a real yearning towards the Church, rejects suggestions such as attending RCIA to learn more, and who feels very slighted by not being able to participate in Catholic Communion as a visitor.

I would love for her to attend Mass, sing along with the hymns, and pray. Am I wrong that she cannot, as an Episcopalian, receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass?

I have heard something about rare cases where a Bishop can give permission for a non Catholic to receive Holy Communion in our Church. Is this true? However, my friend feels she has every “right” to receive in our Church without any “permission” at all.

I don’t want to offend her, but I must know the actual rules, so I welcome advice here. One of her feelings is that she is “just as good” as anyone else and therefore should be allowed this. I have told her that it is not a question of being “good enough,” but a question of whether one is a Catholic, in full communion with The Church, when considering participating in Catholic Holy Eucharist.

My friend believes she has every “right” to receive Holy Communion if she is a guest attending a Catholic Mass. She has stated that since she, as an individual, believes in The Real Presence, that it should be no problem for her to simply go right up and receive. I am worried that this is not the case and that one needs to be in full communion with the Church, a Catholic, to receive. Please tell me if this is correct or not.

Any advice?

Our Holy Father and so many of our Priests, Bishops, Sisters and laypersons are working so lovingly with Anglicans all over the world, and, as many here know, there are a few formerly Episcopal churches in the U.S. who have now become fully Catholic thanks to the special “ordinariates.” This is wonderful! God is so great and loving to bring us together!

While we are working towards full communion, I would love my friend to consider attending RCIA, where she would have a safe place to ask her honest questions. She feels that, as an intelligent, educated person who understands the concepts of the Real Presence, that that is all that is needed. I have since not brought up the subject of her coming for a visit until I can be certain of the rules.

Is there in fact a way that a Catholic Bishop can give special permission for an Episcopalian to receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass? If so, how would that be arranged?

My own pastor said that although she could not receive, that she could approach with her arms crossed in the usual way for those wishing a blessing.

Thank you for any advice and links on this. With the Holy Father working in such gracious and numerous ways to welcome people into the Church, I only want to reach out in Christ’s love and do the right thing.:heaven:

Blessings

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

:curtsey:I meant to add, please, that I may not be able to respond to individual answers, (as you all* know *I like to do! ),:angel1: as I’m still recovering from surgery:crutches::stretcher: and my husband is going through chemotherapy sessions. But I will be so very grateful to see answers here and will read them as soon as possible. I thank God for my friends on these Forums!
In Christ’s great love,
Kathryn Ann (OP on this thread) :heaven::grouphug::heaven:

 

[cradlecatholic5]

I had a friend that felt she should receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. AND she did anytime she got the opportunity.

Nothing anyone told her swayed her … she is a Catholic today, but that was many years ago.

 

[TheRealJuliane]

I wish you a pain-free recovery and that your husband is completely healed without side effects!



I am sorry that your friend has taken this stance about the Church and the Holy Eucharist! Not surprising, actually, because in the Anglican/Episcopalian viewpoint, EVERYONE is welcome at the table of Christ. I attended a memorial for a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and before communion the priest took a few minutes to urge everyone to come up for communion, and explained how to do it. I was, as far as I knew, the only one of my Catholic friends who remained in the pew. So many Catholics are not educated as to why we cannot receive in any other church…

Your friend says that she believes in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Body and Blood. If so, then why isn’t she a Catholic?? Well, I guess technically, maybe the Episcopalians do believe in it, but their communion isn’t a consecration because Henry broke from the succession of the Bishops when he formed the church…

Have you explained to her that many Catholics do not receive every week? That we are to be free of mortal sin before we consume the Body and Blood of Jesus? That doing so while in a state of mortal sin is a VERY grave sin in and of itself?

I’m sure that you have and that she remains stubbornly insistent that she is “worthy” of receiving. I don’t know what you can do about this, honestly. I would keep urging her to sign up for RCIA. Maybe we should all suggest at our parishes that we have a special workshop just for Episcopalians, to acclimate them to our Church’s ways - like a pre-RCIA, before the sign up. Hmmmmm…going to think about that…

Good question! Thanks for asking, I’m going to look forward to the other contributions.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

I wish you a pain-free recovery and that your husband is completely healed without side effects!



I am sorry that your friend has taken this stance about the Church and the Holy Eucharist! Not surprising, actually, because in the Anglican/Episcopalian viewpoint, EVERYONE is welcome at the table of Christ. I attended a memorial for a friend of mine a few weeks ago, and before communion the priest took a few minutes to urge everyone to come up for communion, and explained how to do it. I was, as far as I knew, the only one of my Catholic friends who remained in the pew. So many Catholics are not educated as to why we cannot receive in any other church…

Your friend says that she believes in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Body and Blood. If so, then why isn’t she a Catholic?? Well, I guess technically, maybe the Episcopalians do believe in it, but their communion isn’t a consecration because Henry broke from the succession of the Bishops when he formed the church…

Have you explained to her that many Catholics do not receive every week? That we are to be free of mortal sin before we consume the Body and Blood of Jesus? That doing so while in a state of mortal sin is a VERY grave sin in and of itself?

I’m sure that you have and that she remains stubbornly insistent that she is “worthy” of receiving. I don’t know what you can do about this, honestly. I would keep urging her to sign up for RCIA. Maybe we should all suggest at our parishes that we have a special workshop just for Episcopalians, to acclimate them to our Church’s ways - like a pre-RCIA, before the sign up. Hmmmmm…going to think about that…

Good question! Thanks for asking, I’m going to look forward to the other contributions.

Oh thank you,TheRealJuliane, I just saw your post as I was resting here in bed, and thank you for you good wishes too!

I am quoting you here as I think the answer is so good and this is a teachable moment. I love your idea about a special class for our dear Episcopalian friends, truly. I am going to re-read yours and everyone’s replies here. We want to welcome people, and sometimes they think they already have all the answers!
Bless you,
Kathryn Ann
:heaven:

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

I had a friend that felt she should receive Holy Communion in the Catholic Church. AND she did anytime she got the opportunity.

Nothing anyone told her swayed her … she is a Catholic today, but that was many years ago.

I am so glad she is a Catholic today! I see my friend is not the only one who feels she can receive, yet of course, we must all have a proper understanding of the beauty and deep meaning of He of Whom we are partaking, and not eat or drink unworthily.
Thank you for your reply!
Kathryn Ann:angel1:

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

DearTheRealJulianne, I noticed your question here:

Have you explained to her that many Catholics do not receive every week? That we are to be free of mortal sin before we consume the Body and Blood of Jesus? That doing so while in a state of mortal sin is a VERY grave sin in and of itself?

That is a truly great idea. I have only told her, and it was long ago, that I personally do not always receive if I haven’t gone to confession. If I elaborate as you have done above, she may well understand this better. Thank you! I had not thought of that, and this is important in understanding receiving in a worthy and respectful manner.
Kathryn Ann
:heaven:

 

[CharitableFaith]

Hi,

I welcome ideas on how to reach a dear Episcopalian friend who, despite a real yearning towards the Church, rejects suggestions such as attending RCIA to learn more, and who feels very slighted by not being able to participate in Catholic Communion as a visitor.

I would love for her to attend Mass, sing along with the hymns, and pray. Am I wrong that she cannot, as an Episcopalian, receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass?

I have heard something about rare cases where a Bishop can give permission for a non Catholic to receive Holy Communion in our Church. Is this true? However, my friend feels she has every “right” to receive in our Church without any “permission” at all.

I don’t want to offend her, but I must know the actual rules, so I welcome advice here. One of her feelings is that she is “just as good” as anyone else and therefore should be allowed this. I have told her that it is not a question of being “good enough,” but a question of whether one is a Catholic, in full communion with The Church, when considering participating in Catholic Holy Eucharist.

My friend believes she has every “right” to receive Holy Communion if she is a guest attending a Catholic Mass. She has stated that since she, as an individual, believes in The Real Presence, that it should be no problem for her to simply go right up and receive. I am worried that this is not the case and that one needs to be in full communion with the Church, a Catholic, to receive. Please tell me if this is correct or not.

Any advice?

Our Holy Father and so many of our Priests, Bishops, Sisters and laypersons are working so lovingly with Anglicans all over the world, and, as many here know, there are a few formerly Episcopal churches in the U.S. who have now become fully Catholic thanks to the special “ordinariates.” This is wonderful! God is so great and loving to bring us together!

While we are working towards full communion, I would love my friend to consider attending RCIA, where she would have a safe place to ask her honest questions. She feels that, as an intelligent, educated person who understands the concepts of the Real Presence, that that is all that is needed. I have since not brought up the subject of her coming for a visit until I can be certain of the rules.

Is there in fact a way that a Catholic Bishop can give special permission for an Episcopalian to receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass? If so, how would that be arranged?

My own pastor said that although she could not receive, that she could approach with her arms crossed in the usual way for those wishing a blessing.

Thank you for any advice and links on this. With the Holy Father working in such gracious and numerous ways to welcome people into the Church, I only want to reach out in Christ’s love and do the right thing.:heaven:

Blessings

If she feels the right that she may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, she shall just take RCIA starting September and become part of the Catholic Church. The Episcopalian Church is the American Version of the Anglican Church which has broken off the one true apostolic Catholic Church. Ask her this, if she believes in the real presence of Christ then why is she Episcopal? Shoudent she convert and receive the Holy Communion, Because the Episcopalian Church does not have valid sacraments and is a Protestant Church.

Since she is not part of the Roman Catholic Church she may not receive communion! Talk to her through love and charity that she may not receive because it is not acceptable to your religion, and she as a friend shall respect the fact that is what the Catholic Church teaches.

God Bless!

 

[CharitableFaith]

Plus, I will pray for you that God will fully heal you I shall pray a rosary for you, God Bless You!

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

If she feels the right that she may receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, she shall just take RCIA starting September and become part of the Catholic Church. The Episcopalian Church is the American Version of the Anglican Church which has broken off the one true apostolic Catholic Church. Ask her this, if she believes in the real presence of Christ then why is she Episcopal? Shoudent she convert and receive the Holy Communion, Because the Episcopalian Church does not have valid sacraments and is a Protestant Church.

Since she is not part of the Roman Catholic Church she may not receive communion! Talk to her through love and charity that she may not receive because it is not acceptable to your religion, and she as a friend shall respect the fact that is what the Catholic Church teaches.

God Bless!

Oh, thank you, CharitableFaith, for your ideas here, the way you made it clear that I can be firm but kindly. I too wish she would convert, or honor us with her presence in RCIA, for she is a very find person and everyone would benefit from each other there.

Until then, I will speak kindly and respectfully, yet be firm about what I believe. I really appreciate everyone’s prayers here as well. Thank you so much! And congratulations to you for your RCIA journey as well.
Kathryn Ann:heaven::harp::heaven:

 

[CharitableFaith]

Oh, thank you, CharitableFaith, for your ideas here, the way you made it clear that I can be firm but kindly. I too wish she would convert, or honor us with her presence in RCIA, for she is a very find person and everyone would benefit from each other there.

Until then, I will speak kindly and respectfully, yet be firm about what I believe. I really appreciate everyone’s prayers here as well. Thank you so much! And congratulations to you for your RCIA journey as well.
Kathryn Ann:heaven::harp::heaven:/

Your welcome hun may God bless you for a painless recovery and may your friend convert to the one true faith! I’m glad I have helped you

There’s a couple questions you might want to ask her since shes Episcopalian.

1. Is it correct for the episcopal church to ordain gay and women priest? If she says no she is a Catholic in her heart.
2. Ask her is it also right to support abortion, for a young child to die before even being born? If she says no again then there’s another way she’s a catholic at heart.

I can go down the list, but those two questions shall basically put her in her place for her to realize what the Episcopal church believes is incorrect, plus of the fact the Episcopal people believe they have the body of Christ through there communion, but how would communion be done from a lustful homosexual priest who breaks a commandment which is a Mortal sin? Tell her to think and pray about it!

God Bless

 

[catharina]

Pray for her.
Pray for her.
Pray for her.

Ask St. Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton to pray for her.

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

Kathryn Ann;9196183:

Oh, thank you, CharitableFaith, for your ideas here, the way you made it clear that I can be firm but kindly. I too wish she would convert, or honor us with her presence in RCIA, for she is a very find person and everyone would benefit from each other there.

Until then, I will speak kindly and respectfully, yet be firm about what I believe. I really appreciate everyone’s prayers here as well. Thank you so much! And congratulations to you for your RCIA journey as well.
Kathryn Ann

:heaven::harp::heaven:/

Your welcome hun may God bless you for a painless recovery and may your friend convert to the one true faith! I’m glad I have helped you

There’s a couple questions you might want to ask her since shes Episcopalian.

1. Is it correct for the episcopal church to ordain gay and women priest? If she says no she is a Catholic in her heart.
2. Ask her is it also right to support abortion, for a young child to die before even being born? If she says no again then there’s another way she’s a catholic at heart.

I can go down the list, but those two questions shall basically put her in her place for her to realize what the Episcopal church believes is incorrect, plus of the fact the Episcopal people believe they have the body of Christ through there communion, but how would communion be done from a lustful homosexual priest who breaks a commandment which is a Mortal sin? Tell her to think and pray about it!

God Bless
Yes, she has told me several times that her answers to both questions are no. I believe she is a Catholic at heart and I will most definitely pray for her and re-introduce these questions to her again.
And I thank you for your prayers!
Kathryn Ann:heaven::harp::heaven:

 

[Kathryn_Ann]

Pray for her.
Pray for her.
Pray for her.

Ask St. Mother Elizabeth Ann Seton to pray for her.

Yes, I agree and have been praying for her for many years!
Blessings,
Kathryn Ann

:heaven::harp::heaven:

 

[CharitableFaith]

CharitableFaith;9196346:

Yes, she has told me several times that her answers to both questions are no. I believe she is a Catholic at heart and I will most definitely pray for her and re-introduce these questions to her again.
And I thank you for your prayers!
Kathryn Ann

:heaven::harp::heaven:

Good then there’s a start! There’s lots of Episcopals now and days converting to the Roman Rite Church, including Episcopal and Anglican Churches

God Bless You, tell her its time to come home

 

[masuwerte]

Has she been Episcopalian for a long time? Until relatively recently, about 30 years ago, IIRC, the Episcopal Church practiced closed communion, so it shouldn’t be a foreign concept to her.

 

[Apologista]

I had a Lutheran friend come to Mass with me and then get up and receive, I was in a dilemma as I’d not known whether to mention something to her beforehand. Then I didn’t get the chance, and was hoping she’d know better. But she got in line and I was like “What do I do now?!” Though I couldn’t read her mind at the time this all happened, I kind of wonder if she was thinking along the same lines as your friend, that she was “close enough” and had a “right” to receive. And I was upset about it afterward and went to confession for “letting” her. It was the only way I could get any peace.

Has your friend read the USCCB’s document of guidelines for receiving Catholic Communion? If not, it’s available in your church’s missalettes or here:

old.usccb.org/liturgy/current/intercom.shtml

When I was afraid she might come again and dreading bring up the matter, I talked to my priest about it and he said to just inform her of the policy, and if she had questions send her to him and he would talk to her. But so far she hasn’t come with me to Mass any other times.

Another thing you might gently point out to your friend is that as Catholics we wouldn’t just go into the place of worship of another faith - synagogue, mosque, Buddhist temple, whatever - and do anything that they would not want us to do unless we were in that religion officially.

It seems like the Protestants (including Episcopalian in this case, similar as they may be in some ways to Catholic) have an unconscious longing for the Real Presence or they wouldn’t be thinking it’s something they have an individual right to determine whether they can cross the boundary or not.

 

[DJK100]

Hi,

I welcome ideas on how to reach a dear Episcopalian friend who, despite a real yearning towards the Church, rejects suggestions such as attending RCIA to learn more, and who feels very slighted by not being able to participate in Catholic Communion as a visitor.

I would love for her to attend Mass, sing along with the hymns, and pray. Am I wrong that she cannot, as an Episcopalian, receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass?

I have heard something about rare cases where a Bishop can give permission for a non Catholic to receive Holy Communion in our Church. Is this true? However, my friend feels she has every “right” to receive in our Church without any “permission” at all.

I don’t want to offend her, but I must know the actual rules, so I welcome advice here. One of her feelings is that she is “just as good” as anyone else and therefore should be allowed this. I have told her that it is not a question of being “good enough,” but a question of whether one is a Catholic, in full communion with The Church, when considering participating in Catholic Holy Eucharist.

My friend believes she has every “right” to receive Holy Communion if she is a guest attending a Catholic Mass. She has stated that since she, as an individual, believes in The Real Presence, that it should be no problem for her to simply go right up and receive. I am worried that this is not the case and that one needs to be in full communion with the Church, a Catholic, to receive. Please tell me if this is correct or not.

Any advice?

Our Holy Father and so many of our Priests, Bishops, Sisters and laypersons are working so lovingly with Anglicans all over the world, and, as many here know, there are a few formerly Episcopal churches in the U.S. who have now become fully Catholic thanks to the special “ordinariates.” This is wonderful! God is so great and loving to bring us together!

While we are working towards full communion, I would love my friend to consider attending RCIA, where she would have a safe place to ask her honest questions. She feels that, as an intelligent, educated person who understands the concepts of the Real Presence, that that is all that is needed. I have since not brought up the subject of her coming for a visit until I can be certain of the rules.

Is there in fact a way that a Catholic Bishop can give special permission for an Episcopalian to receive the Blessed Sacrament at a Catholic Mass? If so, how would that be arranged?

My own pastor said that although she could not receive, that she could approach with her arms crossed in the usual way for those wishing a blessing.

Thank you for any advice and links on this. With the Holy Father working in such gracious and numerous ways to welcome people into the Church, I only want to reach out in Christ’s love and do the right thing.:heaven:

Blessings

Honestly, I would tell your friend to quit pouting like a spoiled baby because that is what she is doing. (Of course don’t actually use those words, try and be charitable. Try.) Explain to her the difference between how Catholics and Episcopalians view the Eucharist and then tell her that for Catholics it is the highest form of worship we can give to God and how thankful we are that God allows us to recieve His Grace in this sacrament. If she truly believes then she should recognize the gravity the Eucharist has for a Catholic and the importance of being in the Church that he founded. Then I would tell her what Paul says about eating the Eucharist unworthily and bringing more condemnation on oneself. That is not to say she is not a good person or a wonderfull human being but that you believe very strongly in the real presence and in God’s word, and the Churches teaching on the matter so in essence you are trying to protect her from bringing greater caluminty on her soul by her taking it in disobediance to all of God’s revealed truth. That is your faith and should be respected despite what she “feels” may be appropriate.

Then I would tell her that she should not be offended because you are trying to protect her from making a very serious mistake from the Catholic view point. Also, I might point out that it is you who should be offended as she is trying to disrespect your beloved and very sacred beliefs. If she has any respect for you and your beliefs then she will investigate this issue more rather than just pouting and demanding that she "should’ get it when she wants because she is a good person too (When I hear her say this all I hear is "Whaaaaa-whaaaaa- Whaaaa!). This is not how we view this most precious sacrament and for her to deliberatly disrespect it is not only disrespectful to you but to God.

I honestly think that the firmer you are in this matter and the more uncompromising your are on this issue will go a long way. When people see how much respect and awe you hold for the Eucharist most people will naturally want to understand why and leads many into actually investigating the matter more fully.

 

[masuwerte]

Honestly, I would tell your friend to quit pouting like a spoiled baby because that is what she is doing. (Of course don’t actually use those words, try and be charitable. Try.) Explain to her the difference between how Catholics and Episcopalians view the Eucharist and then tell her that for Catholics it is the highest form of worship we can give to God and how thankful we are that God allows us to recieve His Grace in this sacrament. If she truly believes then she should recognize the gravity the Eucharist has for a Catholic and the importance of being in the Church that he founded. Then I would tell her what Paul says about eating the Eucharist unworthily and bringing more condemnation on oneself. That is not to say she is not a good person or a wonderfull human being but that you believe very strongly in the real presence and in God’s word, and the Churches teaching on the matter so in essence you are trying to protect her from bringing greater caluminty on her soul by her taking it in disobediance to all of God’s revealed truth. That is your faith and should be respected despite what she “feels” may be appropriate.

Then I would tell her that she should not be offended because you are trying to protect her from making a very serious mistake from the Catholic view point. Also, I might point out that it is you who should be offended as she is trying to disrespect your beloved and very sacred beliefs. If she has any respect for you and your beliefs then she will investigate this issue more rather than just pouting and demanding that she "should’ get it when she wants because she is a good person too (When I hear her say this all I hear is "Whaaaaa-whaaaaa- Whaaaa!). This is not how we view this most precious sacrament and for her to deliberatly disrespect it is not only disrespectful to you but to God.

I honestly think that the firmer you are in this matter and the more uncompromising your are on this issue will go a long way. When people see how much respect and awe you hold for the Eucharist most people will naturally want to understand why and leads many into actually investigating the matter more fully.

Respectfully speaking, I don’t think that will work. The mainstream Episcopalian view of the Eucharist is pretty close to the Catholic teaching - if you want to look it up, google “1979 Book of Common Prayer”, it’s in the back. We also believe that the consecrated elements become Christ’s body and blood, and we also are taught not to receive unworthily. Honestly, I don’t believe that she intends any disrespect to the sacrament.

 

[DJK100]

Respectfully speaking, I don’t think that will work. The mainstream Episcopalian view of the Eucharist is pretty close to the Catholic teaching - if you want to look it up, google “1979 Book of Common Prayer”, it’s in the back. We also believe that the consecrated elements become Christ’s body and blood, and we also are taught not to receive unworthily. Honestly, I don’t believe that she intends any disrespect to the sacrament.

Masuwerte, You are correct. I have to apologize for the tone of my previous post, it was late and I was already a bit cranky and I came off a lot stronger than I wanted to. So I am sorry.

I do still feel she is disrespecting my faith and the OP’s faith by insisting on a special provision when we have very good reasons we do what we do. If she wanted to respect our faith then she would accept the fact that as a non-catholic she should not recieve insead of getting all huffy about it and putting up a stink.

I think what I really meant to convey (please correct me if I am wrong) is that in the Catholic view Episcopalians do not have a valid priest hood and thus the consecreted hosts are different in the Episcopal and Catholic Churches. Therefore, if the OP is Catholic and believes that the Catholic church is the one Christ founded then she should definately stop her friend from taking it and explaining why in a very strong manner.

Hope I cleared any misunderstanding and again I apologize for my previous tone.