I am under the impression that non-Catholics cannot receive Eucharist in a Catholic Church because you don't share the belief in the "Real Presence". What is the difference between communion recieved in the Catholic church and the communion in the Baptist church when in fact I was brought up believing that the bread and wine are changed into the Body and the Blood of Christ? I am a very spiritual person (my father, two uncles and an aunt are preachers) and it doesn't matter to me where we worship and I wouldn't mind doing so in the Catholic church because it is how my husband was raised, although if I feel uncomfortable in church because I feel as though I am being disrespectful by recieving or not receiving the Eucharist then we will need to find a non-denominationl church where we can both feel at home. Thank you for your time.

-- Melissa O'Neill (melissaswain@peoplepc.com), March 10, 2003

Answers

Dear Melissa,

I don't quite follow you here. Are you saying that you were raised Baptist, AND you were taught that the bread and wine are changed into the body and blood of Christ? If so, how did that happen? I know a number of devout Baptists, and none of them would ever say such a thing. They believe that the bread and wine symbolize the body and blood of Christ, but that they remain bread and wine, and do not actually change in any way. That is what most Protestant churches believe - that is to say, those which have retained a communion service at all.

In any case, you are correct in saying that non-Catholics may not receive the Eucharist. Doing so is a profession of faith in the Catholic Church and all that it teaches. It is a profession of unity with the Catholic Church throughout the world, under the headship of the Pope, the divinely appointed Vicar of Jesus Christ. If a person does not believe that, then they should not participate in the principal sign of Catholic unity, the Eucharist. And if they do believe all that, then obviously there would be no reason to remain non-Catholic. If your husband is truly Catholic, he could never feel "at home" in a so-called "non-denominational" church (which is really just another denomination). And if he isn't truly Catholic, then he really shouldn't participate in the Eucharist either.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), March 10, 2003.

Paul, on the matter of the Eucharist, from a neutral standpoint, the baptist ministers wouldn't know how to change the bread and wine, as I believe there are some incantations involved. Is this correct ?

-- Oliver Fischer (spicenut@excite.com), March 10, 2003.

Dear Oliver,

You are correct that Protestant churches cannot have a valid Eucharist. Their "Eucharist" or "Communion" is exactly what they claim it is - a symbol - the use of bread and wine to symbolize something greater. However, this has nothing to do with an "incantation". The words of consecration are no secret. They are available to all interested parties in Matt 26:26-28. However, if you or I or a Protestant minister say those words, they remain simply words. When a validly ordained priest says those words however, the body and blood of the risen Christ become present upon the altar, that we may partake of it and have the fullness of life. It is not the "incantation" of Jesus that other churches lack. It is the priesthood of Jesus, called forth and ordained by Himself, that His Church might forever experience His real presence.

-- Paul (PaulCyp@cox.net), March 10, 2003.

Melissa,

I believe Paul answered your question sufficiently. But I wanted to suggest to you that you attend your parish's RCIA program. This program is for adults wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith (and join the Church if they desire). There is no pressure to join the Church but if your husband's parish does it correctly, you will learn the doctrines of our faith.

I would also suggest your husband attend with you. For two reasons. One, he could help explain afterwards what you were taught that day (if he is versed well enough in the Church's teachings) and two, he might learn something also.

God Bless.

-- Glenn (glenn@nospam.com), March 11, 2003.

Melissa,

I second Glenn's advice... A good RCIA "inquiry" program could provide you with more in-depth answers to your questions - and in person, to boot! The Eucharist is called "Communion" for a reason - because it is the pinnacle of communion. Because it IS Christ, it is both human and divine communion! The question of non-Catholics partaking in that Communion while remaining outside of true communion with the Catholic Church is a complicated and serious one. Perhaps attending "inquiry" sessions (a chance for people to inquire about the faith) would help you better understand all of the issues and implications. And it would probably be great for your husband, too. Go together and share learning about your faith!

Additionally, if RCIA "inquiry" raises any vexing questions, I hope that you can ask further of a priest, deacon, your husband, Catholic friends, or even in this forum. Don't get discouraged, and continue to ask your questions (patiently)... it's all part of walking toward the truth.

My wife (who was unbaptised) went to Mass with me for 12 years before attending the "inquiry" program at our parish. What she found there amazed her and inspired me. At the Easter Vigil 2001 she received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and her First Communion. Our family will never be the same! Thanks be to God! :-)

I'll pray for you and your family...

-- Greg Adas (gadas@familink.com), March 11, 2003.