Why, as a child of God, does the Catholic Church exclude me from receiving the Body & Blood of my savior Jesus Christ? As an Episcopal perisioner I have never understood how the work of our Lord is served by a church that does not truly follow the teachings of Christ. I have had discussions with Roman Catholic Priests, who I love as brothers, they have told me that we are not in communion with each other. My response has always been " Its not our communion but Gods" How can the catholic Church answer to God on judgment day that TERRY THAYER was not welcome to receive " The Body & Blood " of his Savior Jesus Christ ? Will God accept that ? I could quote chapter and verse where I find Jesus accepting all people who turn to him, but you allready know these passages. This request for an explanation, is in direct response to a dificult time in my Episcopal Priests life. When a life long friend of Father Cole's died, Father Cole was denied the Body & Blood of Christ at the funeral service. How was Christ served that day when one of his own was denied? Did Father Cole just choose the wrong Church ? Did the Catholic Church show the compassion of Christ ? Are their 2 doors to heaven, will I choose the wrong one, or will you? At our Church all Baptised Christians who believe in the real presence of Christ are welcome at his table. In closing May Christ Bless you and yours this day.

-- Terry E. Thayer (thayerct@digital-marketplace.net), March 08, 1998

Answers

There is no real answer, other than a "mea culpa" if the recepient really believes in the true presense of the body and blood of Jesus in communion, which I believe is true for the Episcopal tradition. However, from a purely human level, many Catholics are not mature enough in their faith to see this and acceptance of an Episcopal priest at our Communion service might cause conflict. This conflict could be used as a tool to further the maturation of Catholics, but, because of human weakness, is/has been avoided. Finally, Our Lord taught through example, that humility is sometimes the most loving action when we are shuned. Thanks for reading/steve

-- steve zimmermann (szimmer@erinet.com), March 08, 1998.

I am a convert to Catholicism...from a anti catholic family no less! One of the most memorable times I can recall was one Easter Vigil. My mother decided to accompany me to the Vigil mass.I thought I had explained everything to her as we went along....but when I got up to get in line for the Eucharist, so did my Mom. I just took a big breath and continued walking, that was not the time or place to explain anything to her! I recieved and then looked back to see my mother get the Host from the priest...who knew me well and also knew exactly who my mother was. I asked him later why he gave her the Eucharist, he said "Connie, your mother approached me and beamed a lovely smile and said 'amen" to my "body of Christ...how could I not give it to her?" We discussed this further and he said that while it was not the 'right' or proper thing to do he figured it was ultimately up to God. He knew my mother believed in Jesus and that was enough. That was a very wise and pastoral way to handle things. Without trying to make Catholics sound superior or the only religion you need to take another look at things. The word communion means amoung other things "community" Catholics believe we are bound as a community as we recieve the very body and blood of Jesus. It is not a memorial to us, it is the Real Prescence, it is what makes us along with our common baptism, part of the Body of Christ. With that said, it must also be noted that Catholics are not so sure what others believe when they come to our communion. Is it the REAL Presence to the non-community ( catholic) person? At the risk of making this too simple ( and shorter!) its also a matter of respect. When I go to my friends Orthodox Church I am not welcome to recieve there. I respect their rules...it is afterall, their house (g) It is not meant to be cruel or lack compassion, but I am not part of their community, I am not one of the believers of their way. As far as your Epsicopalian priest friend...he should have known better. I hate to sound rude but there it is. I have plenty of Episcolpalian priest friends too. Christ was served that day but in other ways...not ours. Father Cole did not chose the wrong Church. There are not two doors to Heaven and I have no idea where you got that comment in connection to this topic, other than the fact you are in obvious pain...I wish you well but I fear my answers are not the salve you seek. Pax Christi

-- Connie Ostlund (sorka@teleport.com), March 09, 1998.

All Christians are welcome to receive Communion as long as they are in FULL union with the Catholic Church. The Sacrament of unity is the Blessed Sacrament. If anyone approaching communion is not ready to say that they are Roman Catholic and in full communion with her they should sit back down (That goes for "Catholics "too)

-- Rich Pohlman S.F.O. (REPSFO@Prodigy.net), April 26, 1998.