Around The Diocese For November 6
Receiving Communion
Father Eugene Schmitt, pastor at St. Raphael Parish in Dubois and St. Peter Celestine Parish in Celestine, writes in a recent parish bulletin, “Can non-Catholics receive Communion in a Catholic church?
“The general answer is no, with a few exceptions, such as members of the Orthodox and other Eastern Churches. Let’s talk about why.
“First, know that all are welcome at the celebrations of the Eucharist or Mass. In John 17:21, Jesus prayed ‘that they may all be one.’ That is certainly the prayer of the Church. Sadly, though, that is not the reality.
As Catholics, we believe that the celebration of the Eucharist is a sign of the reality of the oneness of faith, life and worship of believers.
“We also believe that Jesus is truly present, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Eucharist. As such, to offer the Eucharist to those who are not in full communion with the Church would be an act of hypocrisy rather than unity.
“The Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraph 1400 says this: Ecclesial communities derived from the Reformation and separated from the Catholic Church ‘have not preserved the proper reality of the Eucharistic mystery in its fullness, especially because of the absence of the sacrament of Holy Orders.’ It is for this reason that, for the Catholic Church, Eucharistic intercommunion with these communities is not possible.
“Many churches offer an opportunity for our non-Catholic brothers and sisters to receive a blessing in lieu of Communion. As everyone comes forward for Communion, those that are non-Catholic should cross their arms over their chest to receive their blessing. In the end, we should all pray for one another, and continue to pray for complete unity in the body of Christ.”
Deacon anniversary
Deacon David McDaniel, Holy Family Parish, Jasper, was ordained Nov. 18, 2006.
A success
The Liturgical Committee at St. James Parish in Haubstadt says “thanks to all who made our 40 Hour Devotion successful and beautiful!
“Special thanks to families who spent their time in adoration; the fourth graders for leading the children’s rosary and singing during the Mass; Sister Irma, Jill Seiler and Deb Haake for preparing and assisting the fourth graders; members of the youth group who participated in the Mass; young people who served at the Masses during the weekend; the First Communicants who led our procession and the moms who assisted them; Mrs. Johnson for playing the organ music for Mass and the closing service; everyone who shared their time and talent in honor of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.”
Happy Birthday!
Janet Hirsch, parish catechetical leader at St. Clement Parish, Boonville, celebrates her birthday Nov. 13.
Oktoberfest at St. Matthew’s
“We would like to say a big THANK YOU to the PTA, co-chairs Kayla Hall and Jennifer Loehr, and each of YOU for making Oktoberfest such a fun, successful evening last Saturday!” writes Vickie Wannemuehler, principal at St. Matthew School in Mount Vernon.
“After all the bills are paid, our profit will be $6,000!”
Happy Birthday!
Rick Wilgus, assistant principal and dean of students at Reitz Memorial High School, Evansville, celebrates his birthday Nov. 13.
Matt Moore, principal at St. Bernard School, Rockport, celebrates his birthday Nov. 14.
Janice Jones, principal at Rivet Middle School and High School, Vincennes, celebrates her birthday Nov. 16.
