Why is Holy Communion Reserved Only for Catholics?

Have you ever been asked why it is that non-Catholics cannot receive the Eucharist? I have been asked a few times and have sensed that there is negative energy around the topic. For example, it seems like the Catholic Church is perceived as exclusive or unwelcoming. It is not, however, about exclusivity, being better than others, or a lack of charity on the part of the church. There are good reasons why only baptized Catholics can receive. On this topic, I have mused one such reason: division among Christians.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church says, “the Eucharist is properly the sacrament of those who are in full communion with the Church,” (1395). The word “communion” indicates unity. Celebrating the Eucharist is a true sign of oneness of faith among Catholics. Non-Catholics choose to remain fragmented from this oneness that is the church (I speak of those who do not intend to become a baptized Catholic). The accountability, therefore, does not fall on Catholics, as we are living out our beliefs.

As we receive Communion, we say “Amen” which means “I believe.” This implies that we believe and accept the Catholic Church and all that she teaches: “When the Church celebrates the sacraments, she confesses the faith received by the apostles,” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1124). Many non-Catholic Christians believe that the bread and wine are merely symbolic of Christ, but not actually his body, blood, soul, and divinity. So, to receive Holy Communion would be blasphemous: “Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of profaning the body and the blood of the Lord,” (1 Corinthians 11:27-30).

Lastly, no one has a right to receive Holy Communion. The Eucharist, being the summit of the Catholic faith, is so very precious and unique to us. For a non-Catholic to receive Communion would be to violate and infringe upon our religion. So, I pray that more and more people become baptized Catholics so that they may share in our unity in the Holy Eucharist.

“Those who receive the Eucharist are united more closely to Christ. Through it Christ unites them to all the faithful in one body - the Church.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1396)