This article from the main part of the website should prove helpful.
The Holy Eucharist , the Body , Blood , Soul and Divinity of our Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ is the very center of a Catholic Christians life and worship, so unless you are in complete union with what the Apostolic Church teaches , you must join us in communion with the full truth of Christ’s revelation handed down to Church from the beginning through his Apostles.
Here is the kicker. **There is absolutely no bread or wine in the Eucharist **
- the bread and wine are wholly transformed (transubstantiated) into the Body and Blood of Jesus.That reading, in a nutshell, says that one must not take Communion lightly. Then I found 1 John 5:16-17, and this one says
This reading is about protecting all wrongdoing, even if it isn’t yours. As John, chapter 6 says, Jesus is present in the bread and wine. That is why in a Catholic Church, a non-Catholic should not be able to just walk in, not believing in the divine presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, and sin.
Come to think of it, I forgot that part of the argument. And that is why every time, before we are about to recieve the Eucharist, we say “Lord, I am not worthy to recieve you, only say the words and I shall be healed.” (I know the wording will change a little very soon) That is a reference to Matthew 8:8, where the centurion said a similar thing when he wanted Jesus to heal his daughter.
And as a Sacrament it is under the Church’s control not the person’s, people who falsely partake commit sacrilege and receive no grace as it is an invalid action
This is one of those things where people believe the Church is being mean. The reality is that the Catholic Church is more liberal on this issue than the early Church. In the very early Church an unconfirmed Christian could not even be present during the second half of the Mass which is called the liturgy of the Eucharist (Early Christians called it the Mass/Liturgy of the Faithful). They would actually have to leave. Additionally, in the early days, absolution was not receive immediately after confessing one’s mortal sins. Back then you had to do your penance (which could take a very long time to complete) before receiving absolution. Even a confirmed/initiated Christian that had not received absolution could not be present for the liturgy of the Eucharist. Ironically, in his 95 Thesis, Martin Luther criticized the Church for granting absolution before penance.
Welcome, Protestant!. (1) Because Our Lord Said that One who Receives His “Body/Blood” Unworthily will “Die” (1 Cor 11: 27-29); We Understand Grave sin Against Christ. (2) All Non-Catholics and Convert Students had to Leave the Catacombs or site of the First Centuries “Mass”, During The Most Sacred Moments In the Church: CONSECRATION of Bread/Wine Into REAL PRESENCE Christ. (3) It’s Not Bread/Wine anymore; It Is the Real Presence Christ. That’s why Not Many Go for Communion: Have to be Worthy, as Christ wants, Since His Time. (4) The Church teaches Only Christ Consecrates the Bread/Winr, Through the Priest; Same as The Apostles Taught, practised. (5) You can check things out In RCIA, Now Starting Every Catholic Parish, as In the Catacombs, to Qualify as Catholic. No Obligation, to Just Learn the Ideal Living Full Christ we have done almost 2,000 years. Live in Jesus, Brother. [SIGN] :bible1: Please see God’s Full Word we Live, on the Eucharist: promised - Jn 6:35-71l; Insrtituted: Mk 14:22 ff, Lk 22:17 ff, Mt 26:26 ff; Participation in Christ’s Body and Blood: 1 Cor 10:16; Numerous More Bible and Early Church Fathers quotes, on Real Presence, Not Symbolism. [/SIGN]
There is much that is being said here. First you admit to being Protestant posting on Catholic Answers. You are concerned enough to ask a question as to the propriety of communion in a Catholic Church. Many Protestants as you know believe that the Catholic Church is not a Christian Church and your consideration is a consideration of other than that. To say that you understand that the body and blood of Christ is given in bread and wine is a far cry from the Protestant that states it is only symbol. The fact that you ask if you are worthy suggests humility and I honor that. To ask for understanding, offering gratitude and blessing suggests that there may be more to your journey than is offered here. I suggest you continue to search and ask and find your way to the wedding supper of the lamb.
“Lord I am not worthy to receive you under my roof but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.”
Even today as a catechumen you will leave Mass early.
Depends on the parish. We dont have our catechumens leave.