Why Can't Other Christians Participate in Holy Communion?

[Emax]

I was reading the response to another question asked below:

As a non-Catholic, can I participate in a Catholic service?

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I am planning a trip to Italy and would love to attend a Catholic Mass while I am there. Can you please tell me what I need to do/not do? I want to make sure I am respectful in every way. For example, as a non-Catholic may I make the sign of the cross when I pray? Is it acceptable to genuflect? These may sound like silly questions but I am so excited about this opportunity and I certainly do not want to offend anyone by doing something inappropriate.

Thank you in advance for your time and your help.

Suzy

I too attend mass regularly while in New York, and beyond what I read in the program and what was quoted in response to the question above; I am short of understanding the basis for not allowing other Christians, who have permission from their church communities; to participate.

Therefore according to Holy Scripture, what prevents other Christians from participating?

 

[Fr.Charles_Grondin]

Let’s look at it this way: to receive communion, one should be in communion.

The sacrament of communion/Eucharist is a sign of unity and oneness (1 Cor. 10:17). If someone is not in full communion with the Church (whether through difference of belief or personal sin) then to receive communion would be a lie.

Secondly, Catholics believe that the Eucharist **really **becomes the body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus. For someone who does not believe this to receive would be sacrilege (1 Cor. 11:29–30).

Third, I’m not sure why it would matter what another Christian community allows when in a Catholic Church. Would you enter someone’s house and demand to do anything you’re allowed to do in your own home? Or would you be respectful of their house rules?