Very, VERY Confusing situation

[StephenB]

I wish to honor the rules of these forums, but I want to outline something that occurred, and it may cross the line. However, I realize there are a LOT of bright folks here who can shed light on what may be a very complicated or very simple issue.

There is a healing school in the states being run by a laicized and married former priest, and by all accounts returned to full communion with the Church.

That said, this healing school is apparently ecumenical - that is, Catholics who attend need to follow Catholic teaching, Lutherans, lutheran teaching, and so on…

However, a member of a charismatic community I am involved with related the following circumstance. On the first full day of the week-long school, at lunch time there was a “mass.” It was celebrated by an Episcopal priest in attendance. He did his prayer of consecration, and annonced to all participants they were free to partake the communion. He indicated he had given communion to priests, cardinals and religious on many occassions.

Two Catholic nuns received the communion. My friend did not, and raised the question to one of the moderators in the school. The director of the school the next day said he is in full communion with the church, but he cannot consecrate which is his cross to bear. That was his only explanation.

Fortunately there were Catholic priests present who fulfilled the role of conducting a true mass.

I do not know why this did not occur in the first place.

The story has caused quite a bit of consternation for my bride and I. Is there ANY circumstance, ever, in which a Catholic ought receive communion consecrated by a priest form a faith NOT in communion with Rome? ( I do know in extreme, controlled, specific circumstances our communion can be open to non-Catholics…is the reverse ever true?)

Thanks for any (name removed by moderator)ut~~

 

[stbruno]

I would say “NO” to receiving communion from anyone other than the Eucharist consecrated by a Catholic priest. But I think you should present this question in the apologetics forum to one of the moderators.

 

[puzzleannie]

a priest who has applied to the Vatican to return to the lay state is not allowed to serve in any active ecclesial ministry, so I would take anything this person says with a rather large grain of salt. I would inquire of the bishop of this diocese whether liturgies offered at this site are licit and whether sacraments are valid, and go by the bishop’s judgement.

 

[StephenB]

a priest who has applied to the Vatican to return to the lay state is not allowed to serve in any active ecclesial ministry, so I would take anything this person says with a rather large grain of salt. I would inquire of the bishop of this diocese whether liturgies offered at this site are licit and whether sacraments are valid, and go by the bishop’s judgement.

Thanks, that is a very good point - I wasn’t sure if running a school on healing ministry constituted a ecclesial ministry. I had concerns because I have a permanent deacon friend and his wife who have attended and are attending again for the final level of training. It sounds from the description that is has all the “feel good” components, but the eucharist and a couple of other things are a bit off-key.

 

[StephenB]

a priest who has applied to the Vatican to return to the lay state is not allowed to serve in any active ecclesial ministry, so I would take anything this person says with a rather large grain of salt. I would inquire of the bishop of this diocese whether liturgies offered at this site are licit and whether sacraments are valid, and go by the bishop’s judgement.

Too late to edit - so here is part two - PuzzleAnnie (or anyone who knows) where can I find a document that speaks specifically to laicized clergy (in this case ordained, left and married, then brought back to communion within the church.)

Thanks again

 

[Conciliar]

Stephen,

What you described is a protestant minister conducting a service. He can call it Mass, but it’s not the Sacrifice - he can call the bread Eucharist, but it’s not the Body of Christ. Shame on him for trying to sell the validity of his “communion” by claiming to have given it to Catholic clergy. Red flag. I wouldn’t enroll in this “school” for any reason.

Your friend did the right thing in not receiving. The nuns should not have received. In so doing, they caused scandal.