Hi, guys—

The daughter of a Muslim friend of mine is engaged to marry a Roman Catholic gentleman in Canada.

They have agreed upon having a Catholic service with a full Liturgy. The priest stated that the girl must receive the Eucharist at the Liturgy. I've taught religious education in the past at a Toronto High School and never have I ever heard a non-Christian receiving the Eucharist to be a requirement for the marriage ceremony to take place.

I know under special conditions, that non-Catholics may receive the Holy Eucharist but I've never heard nor found any Church document that mandates that a non-Christian receive the Eucharist.

The girl says that this would be hypocrisy, both to her own faith and to those Catholics in attendance. I tend to agree with this and wonder if there is any rule or ordinance in the Church that forces someone, not of the faith, to receive the Holy Eucharist.

Thank you in advance for answering my question. I have heard some radical ideas in my time but never something like this.

Again, my sincerest thanks!

Joe Robinson
Toronto, Ontario