The Real Presence and Communion

[JoeFreedom]

I’m Catholic. My mom, who was once a Catholic, is now a Lutheran (Missouri Synod). She says she still believes in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. My children (triplets) will be receiving their First Communion this (school) year (they go to Catholic school). Of course, the family will be invited to that mass. I know my mom will want to receive the Eucharist, and even go up to do so, but I know that since she is not Catholic, she cannot receive (at least I believe that is correct… so obviously correct me if I’m wrong here).

My question is two-fold. How far should I go to prevent my mom from receiving; (simply tell her she cannot receive at Catholic mass and if she goes let that be between her and God, physically prevent her, etc.) Secondly, how do I tell her that only the Catholic Church has the authority to bring Christ’s divinity to the bread and wine?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Venerabilis]

In my opinion, you could say that receiving Holy Communion at Mass (an intimate relationship with Christ) is based on being in communion with the Church (a relationship with our neighbour) which Christ founded. Her tradition of Lutheranism is not fully in communion with the Church, so it would be more respectful of her to respect your beliefs and the Church’s request to non-Catholics.

It’s very hard to do these things with a family member. It is a matter of gentleness. Please specifically frame it NOT in terms of her not doing something bad (avoiding the Eucharist), but rather in terms of her doing something *good * (showing respect).

 

[PaulfromIowa]

I know that since she is not Catholic, she cannot receive (at least I believe that is correct… so obviously correct me if I’m wrong here).

My question is two-fold. How far should I go to prevent my mom from receiving; (simply tell her she cannot receive at Catholic mass and if she goes let that be between her and God, physically prevent her, etc.)

From the Catholic point of view, she still is Catholic, although in an irregular state, having joined another church. She, of course, probably does not consider being a Lutheran sinful. You could tell her that, if she does not consider herself Catholic, she should not receive the Catholic Eucharist. You could ask your pastor about how to handle this.

You could even ask a Lutheran pastor his opinion. I can’t imagine that he would encourage Lutherans to receive the Catholic Eucharist.

I hope that you are not seriously thinking about “physically preventing” her from approaching the Eucharist. It is not your responsibility to judge others’ worthiness to receive.

Secondly, how do I tell her that only the Catholic Church has the authority to bring Christ’s divinity to the bread and wine?

That is not the Church’s teaching. For example, the Eastern Orthodox have a valid Eucharist. You could explain to her the Church’s teaching that Lutherans do not have valid bishops in apostolic succession, but a Lutheran is unlikely to accept that argument.

Focus on your children’s reception of the Sacrament and not on your mother’s issues. Pray for her.

 

[Padres1969]

I’m Catholic. My mom, who was once a Catholic, is now a Lutheran (Missouri Synod). She says she still believes in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. My children (triplets) will be receiving their First Communion this (school) year (they go to Catholic school). Of course, the family will be invited to that mass. I know my mom will want to receive the Eucharist, and even go up to do so, but I know that since she is not Catholic, she cannot receive (at least I believe that is correct… so obviously correct me if I’m wrong here).

My question is two-fold. How far should I go to prevent my mom from receiving; (simply tell her she cannot receive at Catholic mass and if she goes let that be between her and God, physically prevent her, etc.) Secondly, how do I tell her that only the Catholic Church has the authority to bring Christ’s divinity to the bread and wine?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Seeing as your mom is LCMS, I’d simply relate to her that like her church has a closed communion, so too does the Catholic Church. If you were to go to an LCMS service you’d be unable to receive their communion if you were so inclined to try, and likewise she is not able at your church.

 

[JoeFreedom]

From the Catholic point of view, she still is Catholic, although in an irregular state, having joined another church. She, of course, probably does not consider being a Lutheran sinful. You could tell her that, if she does not consider herself Catholic, she should not receive the Catholic Eucharist. You could ask your pastor about how to handle this.

You could even ask a Lutheran pastor his opinion. I can’t imagine that he would encourage Lutherans to receive the Catholic Eucharist.

I hope that you are not seriously thinking about “physically preventing” her from approaching the Eucharist. It is not your responsibility to judge others’ worthiness to receive.

That is not the Church’s teaching. For example, the Eastern Orthodox have a valid Eucharist. You could explain to her the Church’s teaching that Lutherans do not have valid bishops in apostolic succession, but a Lutheran is unlikely to accept that argument.

Focus on your children’s reception of the Sacrament and not on your mother’s issues. Pray for her.

I suppose the only reason I thought of “physically preventing” her is that I have read from this site that if someone were to try and steal the Eucharist, one should do all things considerable, even that of physically preventing the person from leaving the church. Obviously preventing our Lord from being desecrated at a black mass is worth it… and hence the reason for the question; there are just TOO many things that I would not logically conclude. See… in this scenario one SHOULD physically stop the person, but in my mind I would have logically concluded, Jesus is God, He’s alright… so I asked, maybe here it is another such case. No judgment, just questioning, innocently. One would never know unless one asks.

But I suppose I could have easily thought I am not the judge when others might receive unworthily (in a state of mortal sin), so question no more I have.

 

[CathBoy1]

To answer your first question, I would suggest talking to your mother and explain to her that seeing as she has fallen away from The Catholic Church, that she shouldn’t receive and to respect your faiths beliefs, if she argues the point I would suggest notifying the priest presiding over The Mass beforehand & identify her (your mother) to him (the priest) with a recent photograph perhaps?

As to your second question, that’s a tough one.
Maybe when talking with your priest about this situation you could ask his advice? Conversely he may be willing to have a discussion with you & your mother.

Hope this helps, peace in Christ.