church communion

We are planning to attend a Holy Communion service in an Anglican Church. Is it "compulsory" for the whole congregation to take Holy Communion?

The short answer is no.

It is quite common to see people remain in the pew during the Communion portion of the service. There is another choice, however. If you would prefer to go to the alter with the rest of the congregation, you can choose to cross your arms over your chest (instead of presenting your hands) and receive a blessing from the priest. If you choose to do this, it is best to speak to the priest prior to the service and make sure he understands that he should not offer you the host.

Also, each Anglican diocese has different requirements for receiving the host. While some do offer Communion to any baptized Christian, there are others which will require the recipient to be a certain age (usually 12+), have been Confirmed within the church, or some other requirements. Remember, most Anglican churches use real wine for the Eucharist, not grape juice.

Enjoy the service.

2009-01-03 17:40:08 by Dono

Communion service. Douglasville, Ga

I'm a baptist and this coming sunday I am going to mass with a good friend. I've never been to a Catholic service before but I do know that typically non-Catholics do not participate in Communion. So how do you not participate?

Do you still go to the priest at the front of the church? Do you cross your arms? Or do you just tell the priest that you are not catholic? Or do you just stay in your seat?

Any answers help!

Communion is not required of everyone. You simply stay in your seat. I am sure your friend would be more upset if you did try to receive communion.
At that time the people receiving communion will to up to the front to receive it. Those who do not simply sit or kneel. Often a hymn is sung at this time, so there will be something for you to do besides feeling awkward.

2009-04-16 20:55:25 by Ryan D

Price: $12.95

I was raised Catholic, so I know that Protestants cannot take communion in a Catholic church because they don't believe in the transubstantiation. But would it be wrong for a Catholic to take communion in a Protestant church?

Absolutely wrong!! That would be blasphemy. It would be submitting to the doctrines of men instead of Christ's teaching.

This may help:

St. Paul taught that we must discern the Body and the Blood of the Lord to receive the Eucharist. We must be prepared by faith, understanding and an examination of our conscience. This is the most holy moment for any Christian and we must be sure of our preparation as every aspect of our demeanor must be prepared to reflect the respect, solemnity and joy that are received at the reception of our Lord and Saviors real body and blood. This is the most extraordinary moment that anyone can experience on this earth. We are to be reminded of the words of the Centurion, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter my roof, but only say the word and my soul will be healed.”


Is it possible to have open communion with those who do not share in our belief in the real corporeal presence of Christ in the Eucharist? Could we, in fact be harming those who we allow at the Lord's Table who do not discern the Lord's Body and Blood? Would we be contributing to them bringing condemnation on themselves by sharing the Eucharist with them? Certainly, I cannot receive or participate in Protestant communion where it is only symbolic as it makes a mockery of the Sacrament established by Christ. Under what circumstance do I believe that communion is possible in good conscience? When we share the same respect and reverence in knowing, that it is the Body and Blood of the living Christ that we adore and worship before we receive, then we can share communion. What do I mean by respect and reverence?


We must be in a state of grace, one conscience of grave sin must not receive communion before the Sacrament of Reconciliation. As part of the preparation we must also fast prior to the receiving of the Eucharist. There must also be a union of doctrine and authority as the Sacrament is one of oneness with Christ and His Church, St. Paul taught that we are to be one Body and partake of one bread. This oneness includes the members of the Orthodox communities and certain Catholic communities not in full communion of authority but in agreement on doctrine. The Catholic and the Orthodox Church are to be seen as the two ”lungs” of the one Church of Christ.


Unfortunately, it is impossible for communion with those ecclesiastical communities coming out of the Reformation because they lack a valid priesthood and a means to confect the Eucharist as well as the proper understanding of the sacrament.


In Christ
Fr. Joseph

2008-11-05 06:37:20 by Kate

Price: $5.99

I'm already 17 years old and I didnt have my First holy communion. I do go to church every Sunday but I'm not getting the Holy communion. So please, I need your help. If ist ok for me to take it or no...and some advise

It depends on your denomination, if you are Catholic then you have to have been baptized first and received your fist Holy Communion. Lots of other denominations will let you take it as long as you believe in Jesus Christ.

2009-01-16 01:08:14 by Honestly

I'm going to my friends Catholic church tonight and it is the Thursday before Easter. I'm wondering what would be acceptable to wear. I would rather not wear jeans (unless everyone does). What SHOULDN'T I wear??

Also, I did make my 1st communion when I was young, however, I am now wondering, which hand goes on top of the other hand when accepting the bread. (left on bottom or vice verca?)

thanks!!

I doubt everyone wears jeans but in any case it's better to be on the conservative side. Don't wear jeans, shorts, tank tops, or very short skirts or dresses.

For communion, if you are right handed, put your left hand on top. If you are left handed, put your right hand on top

2009-04-09 09:16:09 by Athena