Feedback.Q: If your family includes both Catholics and non-Catholics, how have you experienced this issue firsthand? The fallen-away Catholics and non-Catholics in my family don't attend Mass regularly, and this problem of receiving the Eucharist is one of the reasons they've dropped out. Connie Meehleis Anchorage, Alaska Three of my grandchildren are Catholic and three are not. It is hard to tell them that God and Jesus love them all just the same, but the three who are not Catholic are not welcome at the table of the Lord in my church. Name withheld West Branch, Mich. My family is Catholic, and I am a Disciples of Christ Disciples of Christ: see Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Disciples of Christ Group of U.S. Protestant churches that originated in the frontier revivals of the early 19th century. minister. My father has never attended a worship at which I preside because he wouldn't be able (according to according to prep. 1. As stated or indicated by; on the authority of: according to historians. 2. In keeping with: according to instructions. 3. his Catholic beliefs) to receive Communion. Stacey Nicholas Canton, Mo. At a wedding, the non-Catholic side of the family was told not to receive. They were insulted. Name withheld Willow Grove Willow Grove may refer to:
Catholic Church with me and our kids. He has never questioned why he cannot receive Communion but sits quietly in the pew while the rest of us do. Name withheld Pasadena, Texas As for my atheist sister-in-law, what a wonderful symbolic gesture of respect and a step toward faith her participation in the Eucharist would be! If she ever chose to partake, I would "bounce" the bouncers! Catherine McKenzie Jackson, Wyo. Q: My most positive experience with intercommunion in·ter·com·mun·ion n. 1. Communion, relationship, or association between persons or groups. 2. The practice by which members of different Christian denominations can receive Communion at one another's Eucharistic services or at was ... I received Communion at the Lutheran funeral of a dear friend. I felt I would have been slighting his memory if I hadn't. Louise Harris Lodi Lodi, city, Italy Lodi (lô`dē), city (1991 pop. 42,250), Lombardy, N Italy, on the Adda River, near Milan. It is an important dairy and light industrial center. , Wis. At a concelebrated wedding with a priest and a Methodist minister, they invited all Christians to the table. It was done without fanfare. Kim Eidson Escondido, Calif. Non-Catholic grandparents grandparents npl → abuelos mpl grandparents grand npl → grands-parents mpl grandparents grand npl receiving Communion at a grandchild's First Communion The First Communion (First Holy Communion) is a Roman Catholic ceremony. It is the colloquial name for a person's first reception of the sacrament of the Eucharist. Roman Catholics believe this event to be very important, as the Eucharist is one of the central focuses of the Roman . Name withheld Rocky Ford Rocky Ford is the name of several places in the United States:
At Catholic Mass, receiving the Eucharist should be permitted for ... When I was teaching in a Catholic school and was a Presbyterian minister's wife, the priest of one parish told me the "table was open." It was wonderful, and the eucharistic experience helped me decide to become a Catholic. Name withheld Louisville, Ky. I think it is more respectful to refrain. Mary Steedle Finleyville, Penn. I was at a wedding, and after Communion the priest thanked all those who weren't Catholics for not taking Communion. Michael Bascom Nottingham, N.H. At an Episcopal liturgy, it was a very moving experience to receive Eucharist consecrated con·se·crate tr.v. con·se·crat·ed, con·se·crat·ing, con·se·crates 1. To declare or set apart as sacred: consecrate a church. 2. Christianity a. by a woman priest. Jane Bradley Newark, Del. Q: My most negative experience with intercommunion was... Teaching in a Catholic high school where non-Catholic students and faculty were required to attend Mass, but not allowed to receive Communion. Name withheld St. Paul St. Paul as a missionary he fearlessly confronts the “perils of waters, of robbers, in the city, in the wilderness.” [N.T.: II Cor. 11:26] See : Bravery , Minn. When my son-in-law (formerly Lutheran) was refused Communion at the Baptism of his baby by a priest who announced to all present, "You cannot receive because you do not accept the Holy See." Kay Mahoney Tolland, Conn. Hearing about President Clinton taking Communion in a Catholic Church seemed to make a mockery of our beliefs. Name withheld California, Md. Having to explain to RCIA RCIA Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults RCIA Rite of Catholic Initiation for Adults RCIA Retail Clerks International Association RCIA Richmond Creative Investors Association RCIA Request for Clarity, Information & Assistance catechumens that they should discontinue receiving the sacrament at Mass with their families. Name withheld Duluth, Minn. At a wedding of a Catholic and Lutheran, the Catholics received from a Catholic priest, while the Lutherans received from a Lutheran minister. It was as though we had a choice between a Catholic Jesus and a Lutheran Jesus. Name withheld South Bend South Bend, city (1990 pop. 105,511), seat of St. Joseph co., N Ind., on the great south bend of the St. Joseph River, in a farming and mint-growing region; inc. as a city 1865. , Ind. When a non-Catholic demanded to go to Communion. He believed it was his absolute right. Father Frank J. Baumert Albion, Neb. When everyone else goes up and you feel left out sitting there all by yourself. Name withheld Alamosa, Colo. If Jesus could share Eucharist with a man he knew was going to betray him, why can't we share with people of faith? Kevin Leo Leo, in astronomy Leo [Lat.,=the lion], northern constellation lying S of Ursa Major and on the ecliptic (apparent path of the sun through the heavens) between Cancer and Virgo; it is one of the constellations of the zodiac. Palatine, Ill. Who made us the rightful dispensers of God's grace? How arrogant. Name withheld Newark, Ohio Newark is a city in Licking County, Ohio, United States, 33 miles (53 km) east of Columbus, at the junction of the forks of the Licking River. In 1890, 14,270 people lived in Newark, Ohio; in 1900, 18,157; in 1910, 25,404; in 1920, 27,718; and in 1940, 31,487. If people want Christ's Body and Blood, let them become Catholic. Name withheld Baton Rouge Baton Rouge (băt`ən r  zh) [Fr.,=red stick], city (1990 pop. 219,531), state capital and seat of East Baton Rouge parish, SE La. , La.How can sharing this sacrament with any and all believers be anything other than good? Clearly, the real scandal is the separation that persists among Christians. Bill Kunkler Madison, Wis. When in doubt, give them the benefit of the doubt--and let God worry about the details. Deacon R. Basso Cocoa, Fla. Do we believe the same things in regard to Eucharist? This is the key for me. Name withheld Springfield, Mass. Believing that Christ is really present in the Eucharist is the core of my belief. Why water this down? Why can't non-Catholics respect this instead of being offended? Peg Borchard Williamsville, N. Y. Although I cannot claim to read God's mind, it seems to me that Jesus did not practice such exclusivity in his dealings with other people. Patricia Pruitt Oak Park, Ill. Jesus said, "Do this in memory of me." He did not say, "Only do this with certain people." James and Shirley Eason Lubbock, Texas “Lubbock” redirects here. For other uses, see Lubbock (disambiguation). Lubbock is the 10th-largest city in the state of Texas.[1] Located in the northwestern part of the state—a region known historically as the Llano Estacado Our priest has people cross their arms, and he gives them a blessing instead of Communion. Irene Ettinger Stanberry, Mo. It's hard to understand why anyone would keep people away from the saving grace of the holy Eucharist, as long as one believes this is the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ Blood of Jesus Christ, or Blood of Christ, was a military order instituted at Mantua in 1608 by Vin. Gonzaga IV. The devise of this order was, Doimne probasti me, or that Nihil hoc triste recepto. . Robert Gasperment Brandon, Fla. If I am ever in a situation where I am with someone who is refused Communion in a Catholic church, I too will refuse to partake. Maria Smith Saugerties, N. Y. Extending a general exemption only to non-Catholic spouses sends a confusing message. It reminds me of foreigners marrying Americans to gain residency in the U.S. Louise R. Ruma Elgin, Ill. I believe the sacraments should be respected and not denigrated in any way, but I don't think they should be "restricted" if properly prepared for and understood. Name withheld Houston, Texas “Houston” redirects here. For other uses, see Houston (disambiguation). Houston (pronounced /'hjuːstən/) is the largest city in the state of Texas and the I would rather there be a case-by-case basis instead of "anything goes." Phyllis Dunagan Homewood, Ill. "Communion" implies just that--being in union, which is not the case with non-Catholics. Intercommunion will not eliminate definite theological differences. Father Frank S. Salmani Warwick, R.I. How does the sacrament of Penance play into this controversy? What if a person receiving is a sinner? Name withheld Woodstock, .Ga. Our Lord did not, after all, "card" the multitude who partook par·took v. Past tense of partake. partook Verb the past tense of partake of the loaves and fishes loaves and fishes Jesus multiplies fare for his following. [N.T.: Matthew 14:15–21; John 6:5–14] See : Miracle . Name withheld Shippensburg, Penn. As a eucharistic minister The title Eucharistic Minister is a term that is given to the laity who have been authorized by Church Clergy to administer and distribute the 'True Presence of Jesus Christ', i.e. I have been taught not to deny anyone the Eucharist, no matter what I know about a person. If their conscience is clear, so is mine. Name withheld Chattanooga, Ind. AND THE SURVEY SAYS ... 1. At Catholic Mass, receiving the Eucharist should be permitted for ...
45% All baptized Christians
who believe
that Christ is really
present in the
Eucharist.
16% Generally Catholics
only, with certain
limited and approved
exceptions.
13% All people of
goodwill.
10% All baptized Christians.
8% Catholics in good
standing only.
5% Catholics only.
3% Other.
2. Because of their particular situation, non-Catholics who are married to Catholics should be granted a general exemption and permission to receive the Eucharist at Catholic Mass. agree 54% disagree 23% other 23% 3. Allowing a more open Communion with Protestant churches ...
68% Would be helpful in
moving us toward
Christian unity.
23% Would be dishonest
because it implies a
unity not yet realized.
9% Other.
For a listing of other helpful resources on this issue, visit us at www.uscatholic.org. 4. When Catholics know their church's rules but nevertheless receive Communion in Protestant churches, it's ...
36% A positive step that I
have practiced myself
or would be open to
practicing.
34% For some people, a
conscientious
personal decision I
can support.
14% Wrong, but a
personal decision I
can respect.
10% A scandal.
6% Other.
5. To me the greater wrong is ...
63% Offending fellow
Christians by
excluding them from
the table of the Lord.
22% Practicing intercommunion
in disobedience of
church laws.
15% Other.
These Feedback results are based on survey responses from 336 U.S. CATHOLIC readers and Web site visitors. |
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