I'm baptised United Methodist but recently I've been finding that I don't get anything except boredom from a UMC service and that I find I feel more spiritually moved by a Catholic mass. The thing is, is that I was told by one person I couldn't recieve Holy Communion because I was Methodist but another person said my baptism was honoured so I COULD receive Communiun. BASICALLY, I feel really uncomfortable about all of the rules surrounding this whole Eucharist thing and I need someone to explain it in layman's terms before I tread on someone's toes unknowingly.
2006-10-22 15:52:15 · 22 answers · asked by roxya153 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
This is a huuuge church (1000+) and I feel kind of shy approaching the priest...I wouldn't even know where to find him outside of the service when he's actually in front of everyone.
2006-10-22 15:58:51 · update #1
It is true that the Catholic Church recognizes your baptism. It is not true that this entitles you to receive the Eucharist. The best way to speak with a priest about such concerns is to call the rectory (where the priests live) during the week, and make an appointment to meet privately with one of the priests. That way he won't be rushed, and can give you his full attention, and he will be glad to answer all your questions.
2006-10-22 16:52:23 · answer #1 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only Catholics can receive Communion in a Catholic church. Unlike some Protestant churches, we do not practice open Communion. As for your baptism, it would likely be honored if you were to begin the conversion process, but you would still have to be confirmed in the Catholic Church to receive the Eucharist.
Do talk to the priest if you have questions. That's what he's there for. Or call the church and tell whoever answers the phone what you've told us. Tell them you're Protestant, but would like more information on the Church. Doubtless, you'll find someone who'll be glad to help you out.
2006-10-22 23:05:17 · answer #2 · answered by solarius 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should become Catholic. To receive Holy Communion you not only need to really believe in Jesus presence in The Eucharist but, you need to be in Communion with the priest, Bishops and the Pope. If you cannot do this then there is no Communion. Yes there is definitely a difference in services because he is truly there in person in the Eucharist. Until you can receive him you can go up in the communion procession with your arms crossed in front over your breast and the priest will give you a blessing instead.
2006-10-23 02:15:19 · answer #3 · answered by Midge 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If I'm not behind with latest news, in a Roman Catholic church you have to confess before Holy Communion (one ore two days before). This is the best opportunity to ask the priest about your situation (being baptised Methodist, attending RC services, wanting to communicate...) About confession schedules, there should be some notice around there, or you might search for them on the website, if the parish has one.
I'm not Catholic, as you might have guessed, I'm Orthodox. If you're still "shopping around" for beautiful liturgies, you should try an Orthodox one sometimes...
2006-10-23 04:19:51 · answer #4 · answered by todaywiserthanyesterday 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The eucharist is the sign and means of Christian unity. The Eucharist is the Body of Christ and when we receive it, we become the Body of Christ.
The reason why we ask non-Catholics to refrain from receiving Eucharist is that there are divisions and differences between us and others that are obstacles to the unity that the Eucharist is a sign of. Catholics should also not receive communion at other churches for the same reason.
A Catholic should not receive Eucharist at Mass if there is anything in their life that is an obstacle to he or she being in union with others. Typically, this is the presence of unforgiven mortal sin in his or her life.
BTW, any baprismn that is done with water and in the name of the father, Son, and Holy Spirit is considered valid in the Catholic Church. A Methodist that converts top Catholicism does not get baptized again because their original baptism is valid.
Pleas instant messenger me at everydaycatholic if you have any other questions.
2006-10-22 23:04:11 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Your best bet is to speak with the priest of the parish. By strict Catholic standards and doctrine the church does not recognize a baptism unless is has be performed by a Catholic priest. given that you are not allowed to receive communion at mass. The parish priest or any priest for that matter can best answer these questions and any other you may have. All priests that I have spoken with are happy to help and answer questions, give guidance, etc.
2006-10-22 22:57:32 · answer #6 · answered by jaruby05 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The Catholic Church has doctrinal problems but at least they know that faith is not apart from a good heart or charity. They need a more monotheist trinity though.
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit is like the soul, the body and the works in a single person.
2006-10-22 22:55:25 · answer #7 · answered by WhyNotAskDonnieandMarie 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Share your concerns with the priest. From my experience, they are really nice people and would love to help in any way they can. If you don't understand what they just said, tell them, and they will reword their explanations until you understand.
There are also other people at the church who are good at helping people like you who are looking for answers. I strongly recommend Secretaries. If they don't know the answer, they will know who to ask. New member classes are especially for people like you who have bunches of questions about the church. I have also noticed janitors and grounds keepers are great sources of information -- frequently they are doing what they are doing as an act of love for the church, and would be delighted to tell you about it.
Good luck. This has the potential of being a very good thing.
2006-10-22 23:08:31 · answer #8 · answered by leila 1 · 3⤊ 0⤋
You are baptized, but you aren't allowed to take communion until you have become a Catholic. Feel free to talk to the priest about attending an adult information class. They probably offer them through the winter, because they bring new members in during Lent.
2006-10-22 22:56:02 · answer #9 · answered by NHBaritone 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Fun Things To Do During Boring Sermons
Pass a note to the organist asking whether he/she plays requests.
See if a yawn really is contagious.
Slap your neighbor. See if they turn the other cheek. If not, raise your hand and tell the preacher.
Listen for your preacher to use a word beginning with 'A' then 'B' and so on through the alphabet.
Using church bulletins or visitor cards for raw materials, design, test and modify a collection of paper airplanes.
Whip out a hankie and blow your nose. Vary the pressure exerted on your nostrils and trumpet out a rendition of your favorite hymn.
Try to raise one eyebrow.
Twiddle your thumbs.
Twiddle your neighbor's thumbs .
Wiggle your ears so that the people behind you will notice.
or just pray :-)
2006-10-22 23:06:20 · answer #10 · answered by kimandchris2 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋