Why Non-Catholics Can't Receive Communion

Holy Communion is not just a member privilege the Catholic Church offers to Catholics. It is an expression of the pre-existing reality that the communicant believes the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Jesus. In this video, Fr. Mike thoroughly and passionately explains why the Church teaches that non-Catholics cannot receive Communion. Fr. Mike's hope is that through his explanation, you will see how the Church's teaching on this matter expresses its desire for all Christians to be one.

MORE FROM ASCENSION:


SOCIAL MEDIA

[haleyjones]

I am currently going through RCIA and I walk up to the priest and receive a blessing. I never used to because I felt like I was not allowed to do this. But my friend who I went to Mass with at the start said “that’s okay to cross your arms and receive a blessing”. And I can’t express enough how beautiful that was. Some moments I truly felt as if I was not welcomed because I wasn’t catholic, but that friend made me feel extremely welcomed and comfortable to attend Mass.
Now, going through RCIA, I have been improving my faith and love for Christ. And the first moment I will get to receive Him and not have to cross my arms, I know I will be in tears. Because it truly is The Body of Christ. And I know I will never be worthy to receive Him. God is so good 🙏🤍

[yvette]

I’m going into RCIA at 16 from a Protestant family. My hunger for the Eucharist is what is keeping me strong during my moments of doubt in faith. Hunger for the Eucharist is a suffering that connects us with our Lord and yes it’s painful, but it is also an amazing pain to have.

[nileriver]

"we need to experience that pain so we can be motivated to strive after union" wow. even though this is exactly how i feel, it's so good to hear it from someone like you Father. the day i receive my first Holy Communion and am baptized will be the best day of my life.

[thinman]

This was a helpful explanation. My wife was Catholic and had a strong faith life. I am not Catholic but I, too, have a strong faith life. My wife died from cancer last year. I like to go to her church from time to time as it makes me feel closer to her. I know I can't take communion at her church but this helps me to understand why I can't be included. Thank you.

[hynjus]

As an anglican with a catholic wife, I really appreciate this video. Thank you.

[lisaherrling]

When I was going thru RCIA, the priest allowed me to come up during the Eucharist and receive a blessing. Receiving a blessing at that point in the Mass made me feel welcome.

[learnmore]

I love how everyone are in diefferent walks of their faith with Jesus. I'm protestant and I love seeing people give their lives to Jesus and why they worship Him
Edit: I meant different, but oh well

[jpb]

I wish this was the way it was explained to me. I'm a Catholic now but before I was a Catholic, I had a long discussion with a priest about what I believe, etc. and he told me, "Wow! You are even more Catholic than most of my parishioners." So I asked, "Then why can't I receive Holy Communion. I know what it is and I want it. I need it." I was told, "Because you aren't one of us." And you are right, Fr. Mike. I felt rejected, and unwanted and unloved. You have a great way of putting things - the way you put it was more like putting a hand out in welcome Not saying 'no' but saying 'not yet.'

[MikeyJProductions]

My whole family is fully entering the Church today. I was baptised Catholic as an infant, but never had first communion or confirmation (Which I am getting today). My wife and step daughters are being baptised, communion, and confirmation as well. Our marriage is also being convalidated (after performing a civil ceremony 5 years ago today). So we had to go through the annulment process (but my wife qualified for the Pauline Provlidege due to her and her ex not being baptised), so that made the annulment process much easier.

What I'm saying is this, it was a long journey (year and a half since we started RCIA), but it's been worth it. We went up for blessings every Sunday during communion, and our Priest was happy to do that for us. We never felt "unwelcomed", we just had more work to do.

I understand WHY some non Catholic Christians have a problem with Communion and other Sacraments, but you have to open your hearts and understand the WHY. The CATHOLIC Church didn't make these rules, Jesus himself did. Just because Protestant denominations are lax on the rules God himself made, doesn't make them ok. If anything, it SHOULD make you question the holiness of your church and church leaders.

We practised patience, and we trusted in God's Will. Which God has rewarded us for that. I am not perfected, I'm a sinner, but I dare not question God. When someone at a Catholic church tells you "Y pu need to do this or that, before you can receive communion, " it's for your own good. It's not an elitist thing, it's to protect your own soul. It is sacralidge to receive the Eucharist unworthily. You are better off not receiving, than commiting a Mortal Sin by receiving.

Trust in God, have faith in him, and he will guide you home. BTW, it's MUCH easier to be born into the Catholic faith than to join later in life, so I have learned that lesson. My 2 year old son (who is baptised ) will learn from my mistakes, he will make it all the way through confirmation the correct way.

[brandi]

As a Protestant, (looking to convert) I've visited many different churches. It's kind of crazy how they all have different rules when it comes to this. It's actually very confusing. Some, Communion is open to any and all. Others, you have to be baptized. Others, you have to be baptized in that particular church. Others, only adults can receive. It's so confusing.. The Catholic way actually makes so much more sense.

[El_hombre]

As a convert, just started RCIA, I love the way Father Mike can tell the things I need to know.

[Sparrowsnestflorist]

I am 57, started going to Mass 3xs a week..I am not a Catholic yet. I will become one in 2020. I look forward to being baptized and taking of Holy Communion with all my heart. It is very difficult to not be able to receive, but what gets me through IS going up for a blessing. I feel as if I am participating. My priest sees that I am very serious about becoming one with the faith and his blessing is welcoming. But I must admit there are times when my heart feels broken, so I pray and look forward to Easter of 2020. The road is long but I will get there and will love the faith even more.

[LacrimarvmValle]

I got baptized when I was 7, but I've never been regularly to mass until late last year, now I'm 18 and I attend mass every Saturday or Sunday, I never received my first communion and I feel like there's something missing in me when I can't receive it since I know that's Jesus' body...I'll, hopefully, receive it by the end of this year, I'm really looking forward to it.

[IsabellaHagen-xffb]

After so many painful moments, confusion, and prayers for clarity and discernment, God answered me and spoke so loudly and clearly to me through this video. God is so good, I feel like I can hear Him and understand for the first time in a long time.

[G-man]

I was turned away from receiving communion by a catholic monk ... I was so embarrassed that I left the church. I may not be catholic but I pray to, and recognize the same god you pray to.

[gridirongirl]

I'm currently going through the confirmation process and it's definitely a struggle at times to not be able to receive the Eucharist. However, I feel like the pain of waiting has brought me closer to Christ, and will make me appreciate the gift of the Eucharist even more when I'm able to receive.

[AyngeMackay]

✿◕ ‿ ◕✿ I need a job! Please pray for me. Anybody. Thanks! Happy Wednesday...

[ankereisenman]

I just brought my mom to her first ever Mass today (I converted at Easter, she’s still a Protestant). It was difficult to ask her to either simply receive a blessing at the altar or to pray in the pew. I hope this video helps her!

[Robert-bmjr]

In my greatest time of need, I turned to God and found your videos. I am doing much better now, and I'm still in need of God's word. Your videos have given me so much strength. Now it is God who makes us and you stand firm in Christ. He annointed us. Thank you for sharing your joy for the church.

[amberbobnar]

I'm in the process of converting to the Catholic church and when we attend Mass I say this prayer during the Eucharist: Spiritual Communion Prayer
My Jesus, I believe that you are present in the Most Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all things and I desire to receive You into my soul.
Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.
I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen