Help with an Episcopalian friend: Ideas welcome

[Apologista]

Has your friend heard about the Episcopalians who are joining the Catholic Church because of the moral issues that the Episcopalian Church is growing more and more liberal about? Maybe your friend is being called to become Catholic!

Although approaching it this way might run the risk of making her feel more “entitled” to the Catholic Eucharist, it might also be the springboard for conversation.

 

[PJM]

=Kathryn Ann;9195007]
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

ONLY in real danger of DEATH if a non-Catholic WHO 1. Understands the REAL Presence is REALLY Christ 2. believes it 3. Desires it; can even a Bishop grant the exception you seek.

My advice is 1. Proceed carefully and VERY prayerfully 2. One issue at a time for discussion 3. Know that we CANNOT fornce anyone into accpetance [including applying any pressures] 4. try to het her to speak to a gentle Catholic priest IF she’s intersted.

IF you can take her to Mass; be sure you are able to explain BEFORE hand what she can expect; to do and NOT do [receive holy communion and WHY]. And then have the time and ability to answer all of her questions afterwards.

I’m a trained. tested and certified catehist and will be happy to answer any questions either of you may have. Just send me a Private Message.

Go slowly; let her reach her own comfort level.

It’s a GOOD thing your doing. THANKS!

Ask God to help you too.

May God Bless you both,
pat/PJM

 

[gigi4747]

I pray frequently for Christian unity and it’s certainly understandable that you would love for your dear friend to come into the Catholic Church. From how you’ve described her, however, no matter how wonderful a person she is, she doesn’t sound anywhere near ready to be a devout Catholic. She believes she has a “right” to receive the Eucharist?? She clearly doesn’t get it. Quite honestly, she sounds like the many Catholics who receive without being in a state of grace. I’m wondering why you would want more people like that in the Church. It’s not a numbers game and it’s not about warm bodies in the pews.

You’re saying she’s also resistant to RCIA. That’s another reason I would just keep this in prayer and if you’re suggesting that she come to Mass with you, go to RCIA, etc, I would just stop with that.