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Emmaus is the Methodist answer to Cursillo.
In my area, many Catholics attend Emmaus gatherings
where communion is served.
One priest has told Catholics they may receive
communion at these gatherings because it is
a community communion, and, if
they know it is only symbolic, it is okay.
He has also attended these meetings and received communion when it has been served.
Am I correct in believing that his advice
on this matter is wrong?
Janie
{
Should Catholics
attend Protestant services where
communion is received within their community? }
John
replied:
Hi, Janie —
The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very explicit. Catholics may not
participate, that is receive communion, in
any communion service at
any Protestant Church. Period!
1400 Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church,
"have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders." (Unitatis Redintegratio 22 § 3)
It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible. However these ecclesial communities,
"when they commemorate the Lord's death and resurrection in the Holy Supper . . . profess that it signifies life in communion with Christ and await his coming in glory." (Unitatis Redintegratio 22 § 3)
This is no reason by which a Catholic
may receive communion in a Protestant
Church or at a retreat of any sort.
There are limited instances when
a Catholic may receive Communion in
an Orthodox Church.
Also, in grave necessity(as in,
near death), a Protestant may be
given Communion if:
he expresses a
desire for it, and
has a Catholic
belief in the Eucharist.
I hope this helps,
John DiMascio
Mike replied:
Hi, Janie —
For those reading this posting, I just wanted to add to what my colleague John has said.
Besides the reason John articulated, Catholics are not allowed to receive communion because it is a sign of communion in what we believe as Catholics:
a Common Union among other faithful fellow Catholics (by word and deeds)
as well as a Common Union with Jesus Christ and His Church.
For a Catholic to receive the Real Presence at his or her Catholic parish, then, either that day or next week, go down the street and receive communion at a Protestant congregation is to say you are in communion with both faith groups, when both faiths hold different sets of beliefs.
You are not being honest with one of the groups.
Hope this helps,
Mike
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