When taking the Eucharist, what is the proper thing to do? Just for references for myself. I have no interest in becoming a Christian, however, I may be attending a Eucharist Liturgy for my grandmother's passing.
2007-09-05 15:17:48 · 4 answers · asked by Silver Wolf 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's at the hospital.
2007-09-05 15:34:23 · update #1
Receiving the Eucharist is the ultimate expression of unity in the Catholic Church. Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is to publicly state, "I accept and embrace what the Holy Catholic Church teaches and stands for". If you can't make that profession in words, you should not indicate it by your actions either. Just remain in the pew when the Catholics go up to receive the Eucharist. No-one will think anything of this. At every Mass there are some who do not receive, for a variety of reasons.
2007-09-05 15:38:59 · answer #1 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Blessings to you - and my condolences for your grandmother - may she rest in peace!
You didn't mention if this will be a Catholic or another denominational service.
There are some theological differences.
Often - nonbelievers should refrain from taking the Eucharist since taking it means you are in "communion" or complete agreement with the body of believers.
The Eucharist, to believers, is actually the Body of Jesus...that is...while the chemical composition remains bread - those who believe in the Eucharist believe that the actual body, spirit, soul and divinity of Jesus is within the Eucharist.
It will be respectful and loving to attend this service of your dear, grandmother.
If she believed in the Eucharist - it may be disrespectful for you to accept it if you do not believe.
Instead, you might decide to attend the service and remain seated when the Eucharist is offered.
While I pray for you that one day you will know Jesus - He remains a choice we each must make.
My blessings to you and your family.
It is always sad when a loved one passes away.
2007-09-05 15:38:02 · answer #2 · answered by TravelDoc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's a Catholic Eucharist, presumably, the proper thing to do, if you haven't been baptized into the Catholic Church, is stay and kneel in prayer or contemplation while the Eucharist is being given.
Sorry for your loss.
2007-09-05 15:23:54 · answer #3 · answered by Orpheus Rising 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If it's a Catholic church, they won't want you to receive Communion/Eucharist. But what they don't know won't hurt 'em, right?
So if you're comfortable doing so, just go up to the altar with everyone else during the Eucharist (2nd half of the mass) and do what they do. I think the priest dips the wafer in the wine...?
Anyway if the service is at a Protestant church then you do the same thing: follow everyone else.
2007-09-05 15:28:22 · answer #4 · answered by Rapunzel XVIII 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋