How do I tell an ex-Catholic, now Lutheran family member about Communion?

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Hey guys…one of my family members (much older than I am) is an ex-Catholic, married in the Lutheran Church…doesn’t think that there’s much difference between the two or understand some of the major problems with what Luther did…this person received Communion at a Mass recently and I don’t know how to charitably say that this is not OK…most of my family doesn’t seem to understand about the Eucharist…its significance and the guidelines for its reception, and they get upset at me. Obviously my duty to God comes before them, but I would like to preserve my relationships with them if at all possible and charitable correction is always more productive…ideas?
 
Hi you may want to read Dr.Scott Hahn’s (Catholic convert) book entitled THE LAMB’S SUPPER. It’s full of scholarly insights about Catholic Mass and Communion. Hope this may be able to help you God Bless!
 
There are many kinds of Luthers. Which kind of Lutheran is the ex-Catholic?
 
My sister married a Lutheran and is now of course Lutheran. Her first husband didn’t believe in going to church and so she didn’t either. If her husband was a Buddist, she’d be a Buddist.

Anyway, she is Lutheran now and doesn’t see anything wrong with receiving communion in the Lutheran church. At me Aunt’s funeral Mass she received communion in the Catholic church and when I made mention to her she told me it made no difference. Alrighty then. 😉

Dan: What difference does it make which “kind” of Lutheran the op’s family member is?
 
xcbaz said:
Hey guys…one of my family members (much older than I am) is an ex-Catholic, married in the Lutheran Church…doesn’t think that there’s much difference between the two or understand some of the major problems with what Luther did…this person received Communion at a Mass recently and I don’t know how to charitably say that this is not OK…most of my family doesn’t seem to understand about the Eucharist…its significance and the guidelines for its reception, and they get upset at me. Obviously my duty to God comes before them, but I would like to preserve my relationships with them if at all possible and charitable correction is always more productive…ideas?
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If you want to preserve your relationship and not appear to be admonishing and preaching, you may just want to point out the inside cover of the Church Missal, which explains the guildelines for reception of Holy Communion.

If conversation regarding same ensues, simply explain that the Eucharist is so precious to you and that you are sure they would not show disrespect by receiving without believing if they were aware of how upsetting their actions are to you. Remind them that it is Church teaching (not your teaching) and that their actions are upsetting to you because you follow Church teaching and feel obligated to inform them of facts of which they are not aware. Tell them that you hope they realize just how important your faith and the Eucharist are to you and that you don’t want to see them doing anything which you consider sacreligious.

After all, if something was that urgently precious to them, you would take care to show respect, right? We must always be careful to not insult or disrespect someone else’s beliefs. For instance, the Jewish faith does not say the name, Yahw__, so the Catholics, out of respect for them, have removed the word from all Church hymns. Likewise, persons of other faiths should show respect for our beliefs.
 
xcbaz said:
Hey guys…one of my family members (much older than I am) is an ex-Catholic, married in the Lutheran Church…doesn’t think that there’s much difference between the two or understand some of the major problems with what Luther did…this person received Communion at a Mass recently and I don’t know how to charitably say that this is not OK…most of my family doesn’t seem to understand about the Eucharist…its significance and the guidelines for its reception, and they get upset at me. Obviously my duty to God comes before them, but I would like to preserve my relationships with them if at all possible and charitable correction is always more productive…ideas?
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just throwing in my two cents . . . . I think one of the first topics is calling this person an “ex-Catholic.” If the person has been Baptized Catholic, they are and always will be Catholic. Sure, they may not practice the faith or participate in our Sacraments anymore, but the Catholic Church stands with arms open ready to take them back. One priest I know describes it like being Irish or Italian or any nationality - you don’t stop being from that family of origin just because you more away. And it’s like that with being Catholic - our misled brothers and sisters are still part of the family.

Maybe that way of looking at things can help you describe it to her? If you say, "Listen, I know you are Catholic, but you have been participating at the Protestant Church. We reserve our Sacraments for those who are in full communion with the Catholic Church – and that means agreeing with all that the Church teaches and taking part in worship and ministry on a regular, weekly basis. Would you like to talk to Father more about what you’d need to do to come back to full comminnion in the Church? Because I’d be happy to set up an appointment for you to speak to him and thrilled to have you come back home!
 
Thanks for the help guys. I don’t see this person often however and dOnt know when we will attend another mass together and this person helped me get to mass for the assumption driving on the left side of the road in a foreign country…I realize I’m obligated to make a charitable correction but what if I can’t find a charitable way to do it and I don’t think they’ll be at mass again until they see me next?
 
Maybe you can mail her the guidelines for reception of Holy Communion - those found on the inside cover of the Missalette? Perhaps your priest will give you an expired copy so you can rip the page off for this purpose? Maybe ask him what he suggests - I would bet he encounters this sort of thing far more often than any of us. Good luck. You sound like such a sweet person that I would imagine any of your attempts to be charitable would be so . . . even if you fumble at bit for the right words in your response.
 
Lutheran’s themselves differ on whether they practice an “open communion,” in which each person decides whether to receive the consecrated bread and wine, or “closed communion,” in which only those who are in good standing with that Lutheran body are invited to receive the consecrated bread and wine. ELCA Lutherans have an open communion. Wisconsin Synod Lutherans have a closed communion. They would even exclude ELCA Lutherans from communion, based on certain doctrinal differences.

Catholics practice a closed communion. The reason is that receiving communion is not just a personal matter between the communicant and the Lord, but also a sign that the communicant is in full communion with the Catholic Church: accepts Church teaching, has not withdrawn from or been removed from communion with the Church, has been admitted to communion by completing communion preparation as a child or instruction/RCIA as an adult, etc. Not opening communion to all is not a judgment that those not admitted are great sinners, damned, etc., but simply a sign that Christians are divided. As a result, an open communion is a sign of a reality – one Body of Christ that includes all Christian believers – that doesn’t exist. Inviting all to communion would be a false sign of unity, in other words.
 
I just want to make a final comment. It’s really just a thought I had. I’ve been mulling this over all day. If I went to a Baptist church with a friend, as their visitor, and they were doing Baptisms of those in the congregation that wished to be baptized (which I know they do sometimes), THERE IS NO WAY I would get out of my seat and come forward for baptism in a church that is not my denomination. I can’t understand what makes people of other religions think it’s totally fine to waltz into a Catholic Church and receive one of our sacraments! It’s baffling! It makes no sense!

It’s not like you’re only participating in a sing-a-long, or something… it’s a SACRAMENT! :confused:
 
Just plain, ordinary good manners requires that one not eat unless invited. The Catholic Church does not invite anyone other than Catholics who have confessed any mortal sins, are in the state of grace, and have observed the required fast, to receive Holy Commuinion.

The Catholic Church cares about the welfare of the communicant as well as her own duty as guardian of the Eucharist.

“Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. Let a man examinine himself and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For any one who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment upon himself. That is why so many of you are weak and ill, and some have died” 1 Cor 11:27-30 RSV.

Receiving Communion unworthily in a Catholic Church can be dangerous, as St. Paul informs us. The Catholic Church provides Confession to be sure we don’t commit sacrilege.

Lutheran ecclesial communities have no priests in apostolic succession required to confect the Eucharist.

Jim Dandy
 
“Different Lutherans have different beliefs and practices; e.g., see Alan’s post #9.”

Thanks Dan, but since as you stated,

" Lutheran ecclesial communities have no priests in apostolic succession required to confect the Eucharist."

I must ask again—what does it matter what kind of Lutheran since they do not have priests in apostolic succession to confect the Eucharist ?
 
=xcbaz;8255487]Hey guys…one of my family members (much older than I am) is an ex-Catholic, married in the Lutheran Church…doesn’t think that there’s much difference between the two or understand some of the major problems with what Luther did…this person received Communion at a Mass recently and I don’t know how to charitably say that this is not OK…most of my family doesn’t seem to understand about the Eucharist…its significance and the guidelines for its reception, and they get upset at me. Obviously my duty to God comes before them, but I would like to preserve my relationships with them if at all possible and charitable correction is always more productive…ideas?
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The MOST charitable thing you can [and SHOULD do] is be honest.

Explain that ONLY Catholics can worthily receive Holy Communion because it is as Institued by Jesus Christ; A CATHOLIC SACRAMENT,that REQUIRES Direct Apostolic Succession [which they DO NOT HAVE]. Further “professed belief ALONE is insufficient” as it requires one [absolutely] to be in the State of GRACE [and this can ONLY be assired through Catholic Sacrament of Confession,[also requiring the Direct Apostolic Succession].

Do this PRIVATELY, and with Charity. ONCE you inform him your obligation is completed UNLESS he is seking more information and evidence.

GOD BLESS YOU,

Pat
 
xcbaz said:
Hey guys…one of my family members (much older than I am) is an ex-Catholic, married in the Lutheran Church…doesn’t think that there’s much difference between the two or understand some of the major problems with what Luther did…this person received Communion at a Mass recently and I don’t know how to charitably say that this is not OK…most of my family doesn’t seem to understand about the Eucharist…its significance and the guidelines for its reception, and they get upset at me. Obviously my duty to God comes before them, but I would like to preserve my relationships with them if at all possible and charitable correction is always more productive…ideas?
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This may be a little late, but it is such a current topic.
They are married to a Lurthern. Explain that the some Lutheran churches are closed.
That means unless a person is a member of that church, they may not receive.
The Catholic church is closed. Unless a person is in good standing and a member,
it is closed, and one may not receive. Good luck
 
horselvr said:
“Different Lutherans have different beliefs and practices; e.g., see Alan’s post #9.”

Thanks Dan, but since as you stated,

" Lutheran ecclesial communities have no priests in apostolic succession required to confect the Eucharist."

I must ask again—what does it matter what kind of Lutheran since they do not have priests in apostolic succession to confect the Eucharist ?
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Usually when you are going to talk to someone about theology, it is helpful to have some idea about what they believe.
 
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