i recently started going to sunday mass, and i am just curious to who can take the bread
2007-07-05 07:20:26 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Members of the catholic church.
The first requirement is baptism. Note that the catholics will accept a documented protestant baptism.
If you are very young (elementary school age) and raised catholic you will go through a ceremony of first communion after a period of instruction.
However, if you are older (middle school and up age) you need to go through the sacrament (at least the catholics call it one) of confirmation. This also involves a period of instruction.
If you are coming from one of the orthodox churches, the answer may be different. I'm not sure what the intercommunion agreements are.
2007-07-05 07:23:41 · answer #1 · answered by Dave P 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At the Last Supper, Jesus said, “Take this bread. It is my body.” The he said, “Take this and drink. This is my blood. Do this in memory of me.”
Catholics believe this was the First Eucharist, that through some miracle the bread and wine actually became the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
Catholics reenact the Last Supper during every Mass, where the priest, acting in place of Christ, changes the bread and wine into the body and blood of Jesus Christ.
This is a great sacrament of thanksgiving and unity of Catholics.
Anyone who does not believe in the actual presence of Christ and is not united with the Catholic faith is asked, out of respect, not to receive the Eucharist.
Catholics, out of respect for other Christian faiths, do not receive Communion in non-Catholic churches.
We pray that one day Christian unity will succeed and we will all be called to the same table.
With love in Christ.
2007-07-05 16:39:12 · answer #2 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only Catholics in good standing and without mortal sin can receive Eucharist. Your best bet would be to check out the RCIA classes offered at most Catholic churches. These classes usually begin in August with a Q&A period in which you can ask any question about the Catholic faith that you want. If you decide to join the Catholic Church or study it more, RCIA will then start the process of you becoming a Catholic.
2007-07-05 07:26:50 · answer #3 · answered by kenrayf 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must receive the sacrament of First Communion before you can partake in the Body and Blood of Christ (the bread and the wine). Talk to your local priest on how to go about becoming a Catholic if you are interested.
2007-07-05 07:23:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Only those people who were baptized in the Catholic Church and are in a state of grace (no unforgiven mortal sins) may receive the Eucharist.
In many Catholic churches, a person may go forward and receive a blessing from the priest or Eucharistic minister. The sign to give for this is to go forth and cross your arms cross your chest..
2007-07-05 07:28:21 · answer #5 · answered by Sldgman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Baptized Catholics who have received First Communion and are in good standing with the Church.
If someone becomes a Catholic as an adult, they receive all the sacraments of initiation-baptism, first communion and confirmation-at the same time, usually the Easter Vigil.
If you have been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in another branch of the Christian church, you do not need to be baptized again.
2007-07-05 07:25:52 · answer #6 · answered by Linda R 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Only believing Catholics in the state of Grace or those with same sacramental faith and sacraments like Orthodox who cannot get to their own.
Catholics believe that the bread and wine actually become or are changed really into Jesus in substance,even though the chemistry and sense-signs don't change.
2007-07-05 07:28:38 · answer #7 · answered by James O 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You must be baptized.
You must be confirmed in the Catholic faith. You can do this by attending RCIA classes.
The reason for this, is that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ. The Church would be remiss to allow anyone to receive without full understanding of what they are receiving. St. Paul says that "he who receives unworthily calls down judgment on himself." So, the Church has a responsibility to see that you understand how to be worthy to receive our Lord.
Talk with the priest about what you need to do to prepare to receive Eucharist.
2007-07-05 07:32:42 · answer #8 · answered by Misty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Members of the Catholic Church, having received "First" Holy Communion. However, Catholics aware of having committed mortal sin must not take Communion until they have received the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
2007-07-06 01:26:15 · answer #9 · answered by Daver 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It isn't BREAD.
It is the Body of Christ, therefore ONLY members of the Catholic Church who are in a state of grace may receive the Eucharist.
If you are interested in becoming Cahtolic, contact the paish office and ask to speak to the Religious Education Director or RCIA coordinator.
2007-07-06 11:54:03 · answer #10 · answered by Mommy_to_seven 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋