Question about Maundy Thursday and another question

[rabbysmom]

What is the Maundy Thursday service like in the Catholic Church? Since it is the night of the Last Supper woudn’t it appear odd if I didn’t go up to receive? (which of course I wouldn’t since I’m not Catholic yet) I feel like since it’s a special Mass that I should perhaps not go? I certainly don’t want to appear disrespectful of the Last Supper by not receiving but then again (if I were to join the RCIA this fall) next year I would most certainly go but still not receive since I would be doing so on the Easter Vigil.

On the other hand I could go to an Episcopal church here for the Maundy Thursday service and receive communion. I’m kind of on the fence about this. Here is the other question: I’m pretty sure I will be joining an RCIA class this fall, but since I still have awhile, would it be wrong for me to go to and partake at the church where I currently attend? I find myself in the odd position of REALLY wanting to take the Eucharist but now being concerned about even taking it in another church. I have never been able to get a full understanding of the Episcopal belief of the Eucharist- they seem to skirt around the issue a bit! I have a feeling that if I do go to the service (Protestant one) I might answer my own question Thanks for reading!
Stephanie

 

[Lapey]

What is the Maundy Thursday service like in the Catholic Church? Since it is the night of the Last Supper woudn’t it appear odd if I didn’t go up to receive? (which of course I wouldn’t since I’m not Catholic yet) I feel like since it’s a special Mass that I should perhaps not go? I certainly don’t want to appear disrespectful of the Last Supper by not receiving but then again (if I were to join the RCIA this fall) next year I would most certainly go but still not receive since I would be doing so on the Easter Vigil.

On the other hand I could go to an Episcopal church here for the Maundy Thursday service and receive communion. I’m kind of on the fence about this. Here is the other question: I’m pretty sure I will be joining an RCIA class this fall, but since I still have awhile, would it be wrong for me to go to and partake at the church where I currently attend? I find myself in the odd position of REALLY wanting to take the Eucharist but now being concerned about even taking it in another church. I have never been able to get a full understanding of the Episcopal belief of the Eucharist- they seem to skirt around the issue a bit! I have a feeling that if I do go to the service (Protestant one) I might answer my own question Thanks for reading!
Stephanie

Good morning Stephanie, I may take a much too simplistic view of your situation, however, if you are feeling called to become Catholic of the Latin Rite then I would say there is no point in going anywhere but a Catholic Mass on Holy Thursday. This is where it began, the first Eucharist, the commanding of the first priests to DO this in memory of Jesus.

It would not look or be unusual to not go up and receive, most definitely would not be disrespectful; it would be a model of obedience.

It appears by your words you are yearning for the Eucharist. That is awesome. I’d like to be the first here to say, welcome home sister!!!

You can receive a spiritual Eucharist, I’m sure someone can post a prayer or a method of making a spiritual communion if that would help you.

God bless, and again, welcome home.