From Father Varghese’s Desk
May Catholics receive communion (the Eucharist) in non-Catholic Churches?
It’s a good question, and one that many of you face. During the year, Catholics often find themselves attending a funeral, wedding or other ceremony at a non-Catholic church. The minister will often say something like, “At our church, all people are welcome to receive our communion, so please feel free to join us at this table.” That is certainly fine for them to say. But we must remember that non-Catholic churches do not believe in the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist the same way Catholics believe. In the Catholic Church, we believe that when a bishop or priest speaks the words of consecration over the bread and the wine, these simple gifts literally become the very body and blood of Jesus. Almost all non-Catholics do not believe this. Those who do believe it in a way that is different from us.
So, what do you do? Out of respect for our Catholic understanding of the Eucharist, it is important not to give the impression that their worship and understanding is the same as ours. We are called by Jesus himself to live in the truth. Therefore, the proper thing for Catholics to do is to politely refrain from joining in the communion procession of a non-Catholic church. I would encourage you to sit and offer a prayer for Christian unity—asking the Holy Spirit to re-unite all the Christian churches into one Church (as it was for centuries until the Protestant Reformation which began in 1517).
Likewise, non-Catholics are politely asked not to receive the Eucharist when they attend our church. We are not trying to be unfriendly or rude, rather we respect our differing beliefs. To share in the Eucharist is to share all our beliefs. Since people of other faiths do not share our beliefs, it is appropriate for them to refrain from receiving our Eucharist.
I hope that helps. If you have any questions or need more clarity, please don’t be afraid to ask. God bless you in the week ahead.
Have a Good Week and God Bless
Father Varghese
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