Around The Diocese For Nov. 1

Questions and

Answers about

Communion

Father Eugene Schmitt, pastor at St. Raphael Parish in Dubois and St. Peter Celestine Parish in Celestine, answers the following questions about Communion in the parish bulletin.

“Can I receive Communion more than once in a day? The answer is yes, but it has to be at two Masses. One time cannot be at Mass and one time outside of Mass. For example, if you are visiting someone in the hospital and a Eucharistic minister brings communion to the person you are visiting, while there you receive the Body of Christ also. You can’t then receive the Eucharist again that day.

“Can I receive communion at other Christian Churches? The answer is no. The reason is because we are not in full communion (we don’t believe the same things) with them on some issues such as the papacy, Eucharist, need for seven sacraments, Mary’s role, purgatory, etc. The other reason is that we believe that the bread and wine at Mass truly becomes the Body and Blood of Christ. When we say, ‘Amen,’ we are saying that we truly believe all the Church teaches and that Jesus is truly present in the bread and wine. The bread and wine at their service only symbolizes Jesus. It is not truly Jesus present. Because of these disagreements, we should not receive their Communion.”

Happy Birthday!

Jessica Reckelhoff, parish catechetical leader at St. Joseph Parish, Vanderburgh County, celebrates her birthday Nov. 7.

A new newsletter

The Catholic Community of North Spencer now has a new newsletter, according to Father John Brosmer.

“It is just another avenue of coming together and building relationships. Our church is a building, but to become a true church it is about establishing, building and nurturing relationships.

“I believe a ministry in our community that has made a major impact is our funeral ministry. Many people in our community have come to support the family during a time of loss by singing, participating in ministry, attending the funeral, and serving or preparing a dish for the bereavement meal.  It is a true act of sacrifice to take time out during the day to comfort the family when they are suffering. The church is about relationships, and when we take the time to form and establish them, it will make a difference in our lives and the community as well.

This newsletter will give us another opportunity to enhance and build relationships within the community and become involved in building the Kingdom of God. Let us pray and support one another as we reflect our motto: ‘Together we serve as one.’”

Awesome!

“What an awesome Grandparents Day we had here at Holy Redeemer,” writes Marianne Webster, principal.

“You honor us with your joy and just being here.

“The last stanza of Nancy Ellen Crasson, What is Greatness, made me think of all our grandparents:

Not with blaring trumpets

Nor a marching band

Greatness is found

Sometimes by someone

Just lending a helping hand.”