Catholics/ORTHODOX AND EUCHARIST

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 1/5/2008


Question
Hi father:
Where can I find information or documents in permitting a member of the Orthodox faith to receive the Holy Eucharist
in our Rite (Latin)?

Answer
Hi, too, Father:
Happy to try to help.
Two general resources immediately come to mind:
1. The 1983 Code of Canon Law, under the Sanctifying Church: Holy Eucharist, Reception of Holy Communion.
2. The Decree On Ecumenism (Unitatis Redintegratio), 21 NOV, 1964: Vatican II Documents; especially the section "The Special Position of the Eastern Churches."
In addition to these exist certainly more...

In general, those of the Eastern Orthodox Churches can be easily and freely admitted to Holy Eucharist in the Catholic Churches (Eastern & Latin) where they do not have regular or convenient access to ministry from their own particular Eastern Orthodox Church, provided, of course, they are properly prepared and disposed spiritually, morally and physically.
If they are habitually attending a Roman Catholic Church, while having free and convenient access to the Orthodox, I think the time would have to come very quickly to ask: "Do you wish to become Roman Catholic?"  Otherwise, I would find it difficult to understand their motives...
Of course you would have more knowledge of the particulars of any pastoral situation, and so I am happy to try to help point you to the principles and general teachings.
No doubt the "Cathechism of the Catholic Church" is a great source for this, too; though it pretty much just gives quotes and notates all of the Documents of Canon Law and the Holy See.
+ God bless you, and Merry Christmas!

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

Expertise

A Traditional Catholic Priest, validly and licitly ordained, incardinated legally and canonically in the Diocese of Fargo, and in good-standing with my Local Ordinary (Bishop) on active assignment at a rural Tri-Parish. I can provide honest and balanced answers to questions on topics pertaining to Traditional Roman Catholicism of the Latin Church (Councils of Trent and Vatican II)and a lot about the Eastern Catholic Churches, including the Sacred Liturgy, Sacred Scripture, Church History, the use of the Latin language, the tradition of Sacred Music, and current events in the Catholic Church from a traditional, historical and balanced perspective.

Experience

I have been ordained a Roman Catholic Priest since June 2001.

Organizations
Knights of Columbus; Church Music Association of America (CMAA)

Education/Credentials
Ordained Priest, 02 JUN 2001; Ordained Deacon, 27 JAN 2001; MA - Dogmatic/Systematic Theology; MDiv - Professional Degree from Seminary; 2-Years formation with Canons Regular of Premontre including studies and experience in Sacred Liturgy, Chant, Latin, Sacraments, Spirituality. BA - Scholastic/Thomistic Philosophy; BA - Liberal Arts; AA - General Studies.

Past/Present Clients
I serve 3-small, rural Parish Communities in Easter North Dakota
I converted to the Roman Catholic Church in 1981, at the age of 15. Over the years I have done work as an organist, cantor, and choir director for the Latin Rite (English & Latin) Mass (Liturgy of the Eucharist), and even for the Hours of the Divine Office. I have worked as a cantor for a Melkite Byzantine Catholic Church. Presently my pastoral and administrative duties as a Catholic Priest do not allow me as much time as I used to have to devote to Sacred Music; but for my weekend Masses and Solemnities within my Tri-Parish, I offer High Sung Mass in English. Weekday Mass is typically Low Mass (recited Mass) in English, though on occasion I will offer the "Tridentine Mass" in Latin, which I usually offer on my "Day Off", as well. And now, in light of the "Motu Proprio" by his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI placing the extraordinary usage of the Roman Rite back into the mainstream of the Catholic Church, I have been offering a regularly scheduled SUN, 2:00 PM Tridentine Latin Mass with a community of the faithful that has a stable existence.

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