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Catholic Weddings
clearheavens
member
A note about receiving Communion during Mass?
I can't seem to find that post where you ladies gave examples of what the program could say for Catholics not in a state of grace or non-Catholics. Could you give me examples?
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Re: A note about receiving Communion during Mass?
Sacrament of Communion Song Title
As Catholics believe that, through the consecration,
the bread and wine becomes the true body and blood of
Christ, we ask that those who do not share that belief
refrain from receiving communion. Please take this time
to reflect and pray or to come up in the communion line to
receive a blessing. This can be done by crossing your
arms over your chest.
Teachery Blog
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Our parish made our programs and included the following:
All God’s children are welcome to this sacred place and liturgy. The Catholic understanding of Holy Communion as the very Body and Blood of Jesus Christ limits the reception of the Holy Eucharist to those who share our faith and are united in discipleship within the Church. Our brothers and sisters of other faiths are invited to come forward to receive a blessing at this time. The desire to do so may be indicated by crossing the arms over the chest.
I would not presume on the state of grace for anyone and the below posts skip that part.
haha, you're becoming a bit of a "short timer" now, aren't you?
My hubby didn't receive Eucharist for a long time. Even when he returned to the church with me, he didn't receive Eucharist for a while.
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[QUOTE]Some people are legitimately ignorant about the eucharist. My (non-Catholic) father would always receive at the masses he occassionally went to with me or my stepmother before I (very gently) explained to him that he wasn't supposed to. He didn't really seem upset about it, just an "oh, I didn't know." Most protestant churches have completely open communion, so a protestant used to this might think that all churches had open communion and not think anything of it. Of course, any note should be worded with the utmost charity.
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]
All I can think of is when Bill Clinton received, I think it was at a mass in Africa (?) during the Monica Lewinsky times. I don't remember if he apologized or not, he was the president at the time. (is there an eye roll emoticon here/)
All of God’s children are welcome to this sacred place and joyous Liturgy. During the consecration, we believe that the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ. Those who are in full communion with the Church and are in a state of grace are invited to receive the Eucharist.
That's good but I would really leave out "the state of grace".
Catholics know what the state of grace is and it comes across a bit judgemental.
JMO, I could be putting too much thought into that
My opinion though. Not sure if that is just pesimistic but I'm not sure it is for me to point fingers about grace and receiving Eucharist in my wedding program. As I said before, it is not uncommon for people to not participate in Eucharist but maybe that is just where I'm from.
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[QUOTE]Very helpful. Thanks ladies, will leave out the " and are in a state of grace " part! All of God’s children are welcome to this sacred place and joyous Liturgy. During the consecration, we believe that the bread and wine become the true Body and Blood of Christ. Those who are in full communion with the Church are invited to receive the Eucharist.
Posted by clearheavens[/QUOTE]
That sounds good. I don't think you have to specify Catholic as you have capitalized the C in Church.
Anything more seems to be dumbing it down for non Catholics and Catholics who care, already know.
wow, spellcheck says clearheavens isn't a word! Don't let that make you feel bad CH! ;)
[QUOTE]I'm not a fan of putting something like this in the program. Catholics and non-Catholics usually have an awareness of the depth of receiving a Eucharist. Putting it in writing almost seems judgemental. My hubby didn't receive Eucharist for a long time. Even when he returned to the church with me, he didn't receive Eucharist for a while.
Posted by HandBanana[/QUOTE]
I really disagree with this. There are tons of Christian, non Catholics, who have no idea they shouldn't take communion in a Catholic church. I think it's necessary to inform people, even if some may already know.
[QUOTE]I would leave in the part about "state of grace." Unfortunately, most Catholics don't even *know* that it IS a precept of the Church that they go to Confession at least once a year, and are not permitted to receive Communion if they don't. Sorry if that sounds "judgemental," it's a teaching of the Church. Institutions are allowed to make their own rules, which should be respected by those who wish to participate in that institution. (The alternative being; go make your own institution if you don't agree, or at the very least try and find out WHY there is such a teaching instead of writing it off as "judgemental.") And, I think that many people, Catholics and non-Catholics, are not aware of the Church's teachings about the Eucharist. (What, something like only 30% of Catholics even belive that it is the Body and Blood of Christ?!) <strong> If you (the general "you," not the OP,) were to NOT put a gentle reminder of some sort in your program, or at least be announced, then I belive that makes *you* culpable for those who receive Communion unworthily, whether knowingly or unknowingly.</strong>
Posted by lalaith50[/QUOTE]
<div>I agree with this, that's why the decision to put a note; albeit a positive one.</div>
I think this is the best idea. It's on a positive not and it doesn't sound judgmental
hey, those were your words.
Good luck, short timer
Its been a while so I don't remember his exact words, but the way he said it felt explanatory and welcoming rather than exclusive which I thought was nice.