Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 206.  Fri 12-13-91 15:23  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Ted Ludwig
 Subject: Communion

+-
| Dear Father,
| My question concerns the Eucharist.  Protestant denominations, including
| my wife's, believe that you must partake of both the bread and the
| wine (grapejuice in their case) to truly do what Jesus asked us to
| do at the last supper.  In my Catholic readings it states that as a Roman
| Catholic I can partake in either the wine or host or both at the
| Eucharist.  What I have read is that according to CAtholic teaching, Jesus
| is fully present in the both the Host and the Wine.  Am I correct.  Could
| you elaborate on the Church's teachings on this matter?  Thank you very
| much for your help. Yours in Christ, Ted Ludwig.
 
Dear Ted,
 
The Council of Constance (Session XIII, June 15, 1415) taught: "It must
be believed most firmly and not at all doubted that the whole body of
Christ and the blood are truly contained under the species of bread as
well as under the species of wine" (Denzinger, 626).
 
The Council of Trent (Session XXI, chapter 3, July 16, 1562) taught:
"Christ whole and entire and a true sacrament is received even under
either species alone, and on that account, as far as regards its fruit,
those who receive only one species are not deprived of any grace which
is necessary for salvation" (Denzinger, 932).
 
In the Mass, the total sign is accomplished by the celebrating priest,
as he receives Christ under both species, just as he has consecrated
and offered under both species.  It is unnecessary, however that the
congregation receive Christ under both species since Christ is complete
under one.
 
In the early Church, hosts were reserved in a place of honor to be
available to carry to the sick in their homes.  There was no doubt that
Christ was whole and entire in these hosts.  As time went on, reasons
of cleanliness, reverence, and convenience led to Communion under the
species of bread alone as the ordinary way for the congregation to
receive Communion.
 
                                Sincerely in Christ,
 
                                Father Mateo