Visitors to Catholic churches often complain that they may not join in communion at Mass. Many other denominations welcome all who profess faith in Christ to their communion table, but Catholics have always restricted who shares in the meal. The legislation builds on our belief in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and that our communion at Mass symbolizes our union as Catholics. Even in danger of death or other serious need, a Catholic may celebrate communion, reconciliation and anointing of the sick “only from a minister in whose church these sacraments are valid or from one who is known to be validly ordained according to the Catholic tradition on ordination” (Directory for the Application of Principles and Norms of Ecumenism (1993), #132).
Catholics often find themselves in awkward situations when this directive comes into play. Friends or family members who belong to other Christian churches may invite Catholics to attend their service. If communion is offered, Catholics may feel some social obligation to share in the celebration. They might feel additional pressure if the minister of the service welcomes all present who believe in Christ his share in the communion. Catholics might feel caught in a bind: to share communion would mean to behave contrary to our Catholic belief of the Eucharist and communion; to abstain from communion at the other church makes them seem not to believe in Christ.
Many groups use a symbol to identify their members. Students wear letter jackets or merch claiming their school. Scouts earn medals. These customs give groups signs of association. When a new member joins the group, the symbol frequently becomes part of the right of initiation, a sign of transition, and a source of pride. These baptized and other communions who make a profession of faith with us may be received into full communion in the Catholic Church. We are praying for all the members of our OCIA at this time. If they decide to join us as Catholics, their first communion at Easter becomes the high point of their transition into membership of the Catholic Church.
A Kansas “Satanist” group is planning to hold a “black mass” at the State Capital in Topeka on March 28. Our Kansas Bishops are urging prayer and exploring legal options. In a mockery of the Catholic Mass, these groups often boast of possessing a stolen consecrated host with an intent to desecrate the Eucharist as part of their ritual. This is an explicit demonstration of anti-Catholic bigotry and is an insult not only to Catholics but all of Christianity. This is why we need to always be mindful and aware of who is receiving the Eucharist at Mass.
If you invite non-Catholics to Mass with you, please instruct them about procedures for Communion and kindly explain to them why would ask that they not receive. The guidelines for the reception for Communion can be found on page 331 in the books in our pews. To help them not feel so out of place, invite them to join in the procession to communion, and ask them to cross their hands over their chest when they come to the minister who will give them an oral prayer.
In spite of our differences, Christians are urged to share the beliefs that we hold in common through worship and service to our community, and to pray for unity to come.
God Bless,
