Who can receive the Eucharist?

 

• Catholic Christians who have received their First Holy Communion and who are properly disposed may receive the Eucharist.
• Since receiving Holy Communion requires faith in Jesus’ real presence in the Most Blessed Sacrament–the belief that it is not just a symbol but truly his Body and Blood–only Catholics may receive the Eucharist at Mass.
• The once exception to that rule is Orthodox Christians, who share our same faith in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist.
• Since we do not share the same Eucharistic faith and are not in communion with other Christians, not to mention non-Christians, we do not admit them to Holy Communion: that would imply a communion–a unity in belief and worship–which sadly does not exist among us, and for which we must pray and work.
• If you have a non-Catholic guest joining you at Mass, please be sure to explain these principles to them.

Eucharist for the Homebound

 

If you are homebound, we can arrange to have the Eucharist brought to you by specially trained Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion. Please contact the office so we can arrange for a homebound minister to visit you.

 

Eucharist for those in the Hospital

 

While in the hospital, you must tell the Hospital Chaplain’s office if you would like to be on the Communion list to receive the Eucharist.  Our Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion will receive a copy of this list when they visit the hospitals. The parishes of Terre Haute have a rotating schedule for visiting the hospitals. If you wish to receive the Anointing of the Sick of sick or have your confession heard, please notify the chaplain and they will contact a priest for you.