Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 126.  Mon  8-26-91  6:39
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Jeff Stevens
 Subject: Non-Catholics at Eucharist

³ I had posted this concern earlier and had it answered, but,,,
³ .
³ A nonCatholic, but very Christian sister of mine would like to receive
³ communion at my church.  Obviously, without at least manifesting Catholic
³ belief, this is impossible.  She is baptized an Episcopalian.  I would
³ like to ask if it would be possible under any circumstances for her to
³ receive the Eucharist?
³ .
³ And what, EXACTLY, is the difference between official Catholic and
³ Episcopalian doctrine on the Eucharist?  Specifically,,,
³ I know you may not be versed in Episcopalian doctrine, but, I'd loke to
³ know.
 
Dear Jeff,
 
In my previous message to you, I listed for you the provisions of
canon 844, secs. 3 and 4, which list the requirements for certain
non-Catholics to receive Holy Communion from a Catholic minister.
 
One requirement is that the recipient have Catholic Faith in the
Eucharist.  This is our Eucharistic Faith:  "The Most Holy Eucharist
is the most august sacrament in which Christ the Lord himself is
contained, offered, and received....  The Eucharistic Sacrifice (the
Mass), the memorial of the death and resurrection of the Lord, in
which the sacrifice of the Cross is perpetuated over the centuries,
is the summit and source of all Christian worship and life....  The
celebration of the Eucharist is the action of Christ Himself and the
Church; in it Christ the Lord, by the ministry of a priest, offers
Himself, substantially present under the forms of bread and wine, to
God the Father and gives Himself as spiritual food to the faithful
who are associated with His offering."  (Code of Canon Law, canons
897, 899).
 
I do not know the official doctrine of the Episcopal Church on the
Eucharist.  Your sister's Book of Common Prayer should explain it, I
should think.
 
If your sister feels drawn to share our Eucharist, really she should
pray to know how far the Holy Spirit wants her to come in.  She can
investigate our whole Faith without any pressure or prior commitment.
It is well also to realize that Holy Communion is our family meal, an
efficacious sign of full belonging.
 
                                   Sincerely in Christ,
                                   Father Mateo