I tried to answer your question as honestly as I could. Fortunately, I was brought up in an extremely “ecumenical” environment in a part of the country that was (at the time) about 80% working class Roman Catholic. My friends never really tried to “convert” me, but I sure got taken along to my share of Saturday evening Masses when it was either send him home or cram the Protestant kid with the Catholic sounding name in the station wagon with the rest of the brood. I was cautioned that I’d be sent directly to Hell if I mistakenly went up with everybody else to take Holy Communion (hey, a line’s forming .. must be something good at the end) and that sort of threw a damper on the inclusive mood, but I got over it.
And it was much appreciated. Thank you!
Fortunately, I was brought up in an extremely “ecumenical” environment in a part of the country that was (at the time) about 80% working class Roman Catholic.
Me too :-) Interestingly enough, the subject of this post, Drake McCalister, grew up in a part of the country where he never met a catholic. Ironically, he studied his way into the Catholic Church and when he and his wife entered, they expected to find small congregations. They were very surprised at the number of catholics.
I was cautioned that I’d be sent directly to Hell if I mistakenly went up with everybody else to take Holy Communion (hey, a line’s forming .. must be something good at the end) and that sort of threw a damper on the inclusive mood, but I got over it.
They were mistaken in suggesting such a fate. However, there are rules associated to receiving communion and rules regarding the other sacraments as well. These need to be understood before partaking of the sacrament. You must believe ALL the teachings of the Catholic church in order be a full member and receive communion and all of the sacraments. Catholics understand that communion is NOT JUST a reenactment of the last supper. It is NOT JUST a symbol of Christ's body and blood. Jesus told us at the Last Supper to "DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME" and he told his apostles that "This IS my body", "This IS my blood which will be offered up for you for the forgiveness of sins...." When we receive communion, we are receiving Christ's body and blood. Only full believer's of the faith, received into the Church formally through the formal Rites, and recieve all of the sacraments. It is Church Law and it is so that unbelievers don't accidentily (without their knowledge) mishandle the sacred body and blood of Jesus and offend God.
It’s the BEST!!! NOTHING LIKE IT!!!