Saint Frances Cabrini Parish

Father Kleppner - May 24, 2009
From time to time people ask, who can go to communion in the Catholic Church or why can’t non-Catholic’s receive communion? The following question and answer from Father Bober’s column in last week’s Pittsburgh Catholic provides a very good answer.
Communion is reserved for Catholics
Question: Am I still correct in understanding that only Catholics are welcome to receive Communion in the Catholic Church? Why is that so? And why don’t more priests tell people that at every Mass?
Answer: You are correct that, as a general rule, only baptized Catholics in good standing with the church and in the state of grace (i.e., without mortal sin) are welcome to receive the Eucharist.
The reasoning for the approach of the Catholic Church on this matter is rooted in the notion of “communion.” The word Communion is most often understood to describe the body and blood of Christ received as the Eucharist. We believe our Lord is really and truly present in the Eucharist. Other Christians do not hold the same belief. But this word is also used to describe an ancient belief that there exists a unique “communion” among the church’s pastors, teachers and believers. This “communion” leads to and emanates from the Eucharist.
Upon this basis, the Holy Communion we receive at Mass is offered only in view of the communion that exists among those present. When the one distributing the Eucharist holds the host before us and says, “The body of Christ,” and we answer, “Amen,” a dialogue has taken place. That dialogue is not simply one of theological knowledge but even more importantly one of faith and communion. It would be difficult for Christians of other faith communities to share in that dialog in precisely the same way.
At times, the position of the Catholic Church on this matter must seem narrow to some. But by taking this position, the Catholic Church is not making judgments about other Christians or their religious communities but rather saying the Eucharist is essentially a community matter. The Catholic Church contends that if one is not fully sharing in the life of our community and a union with its believers and pastors, it would be inaccurate to share the Eucharist, the greatest sign of our unity.
While this is the “why” of the question above, the “how” is also important. Pastors and others struggle with how best to inform those at the Eucharist of our understanding of “communion” and its implication for reception of the Eucharist.
The bishops of the United States have drafted a statement on this matter, and it is printed in the most commonly used worship aids (e.g., the missalette). Priests also attempt in various ways to make this teaching known, especially at funerals, weddings and other celebrations at which many of those present are not Catholic. While these means have been helpful in some instances, why must the information always come “from the top? Most people in church who are not Catholic are there because they know someone who is. Many of them ask the question “Can I go up for Communion?” What are they told? It is unfortunate if they hear Catholics say, “I don’t know,” or, “I am not sure,” or even, “ask Father.”
We should know what our church teaches and why. We should have the courage to speak with conviction and love about our beliefs and practices. For too long Catholics have avoided the fact that much important occurs not only when priests speak but when informed Catholics do so.

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