Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 75.  Fri  9-18-92 11:39  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Scott Spencer
 Subject: Holy Communion

SS|Dear Father Mateo,
  |  I have a question concerning the veneration of Mary.  Why do Catholics
  |venerate her?  Although I do not question her importance in our faith, or
  |as an example of a servant of God; I do not understand why she is
  |venerated.  She is not shown in the Gospels or in Paul's letters that much
  |and I wonder where the theology of Mary is derived and how it has gotten
  |so extensive since we know so little about her.
  |  My second question is about the apparitions of Mary.  What does the
  |church say about this and how do you explain this?
  |  My final question concerns communion.  I am a United Methodist and I
  |went to a Catholic Mass and I was unable to partake of the Eucharist.  It
  |troubled me because I have always seen Catholics as my brothers and
  |sisters in Christ and yet I do not feel invited into the Eucharist.  Why
  |does the Church have this policy?
  |    Thank You for Your Time!!
  |    Grace and Mercy to You
  |    Scott Spencer
 
 
Dear Scott,
 
The Second Vatican Council in its Decree on Ecumenism teaches: "All
who have been justified by faith in baptism are incorporated into
Christ; they therefore have a right to be called Christians, and with
good reason are accepted as brothers and sisters by the children of
the Catholic Church" (#3).
 
The Secretariat for the Promotion of Unity among Christians, in its
Directory of Ecumenism, part I, #55, says: "Celebration of the
sacraments is an action of celebrating community, signifying the
oneness in faith, worship, and life of the community.  Where this
unity of sacramental faith is lacking, the participation of the
separated brethren with Catholics, especially in the sacraments of
the Eucharist, penance, and anointing of the sick, is forbidden....
The Church can for adequate reasons allow access to those sacraments
to a separated brother. This may be permitted ... so long as he
declares a faith in these sacraments in harmony with that of the
Church....  The judge of this urgent necessity must be the diocesan
bishop."
 
In brief, the Eucharist, in our belief, is a sign of already existing
unity among us.  It is not a means of achieving a unity which does
not yet exist.
 
Everyone is invited to pray and examine the credentials of the Church
and to enter into full communion with us.  We call our Church
"Catholic" because it is for all.  But one must first enter fully
among us to offer and receive the Eucharist, the sign of our unity.
 
                                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                        Father Mateo