Catholics/Spiritual Communion

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Expert: Fr. Timothy Johnson - 1/12/2010


Question
Hello Father
I am a stay at home mom who attends Mass daily at my parish.  I freely tell my friends and the other moms at school-drop off that I leave there and go to Mass (our church is next door to the schools)  A few of my friends have decided they would like to join me.  One of them is not Catholic but is showing an interest in attending Mass sometimes with me.  In one of my prayer books I have a prayer for receiving Spiritual Communion.  I PRAY that my question is not ignorant, but can a non-Catholic pray that prayer when she does not receive?  If not, then is there a prayer that she can pray; as we all recieve The Eucharist and she does not?  I don't want to do anything that will be wrong when guiding her at our wonderful Mass.  Thank you so much for reading my question.  God Bless. Colleen

Answer
Hi, Colleen:
Thanks for the question.
How wonderful that your non-pushy encouragement by way of simple example has inspired and motiveated somebody to become interested in attending Mass with you...
Since I do not know the actual text of the prayer for Spiritual Communion that is in your particular Prayer Book, it is difficult to say exactly whether or not it might be appropriate or the best prayer for your friend right now.  I am going to guess that it most probably is, as I can imagine that it makes reference to "not being now, or at this time, able to make communion" and some "desire" to receive communion is expressed.  You might let your friend see the prayer, and find out whether it expresses her current desire and spiritual aspirations.  If so, I can't imagine why it would not be appropriate.  I hope this helps!

Fr. Timothy Johnson

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Fr. Timothy Johnson

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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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