Expert: George A. Card,sfo, M.I - 2/12/2006

Question
Hello, I have a question that I hope you can answer for me. I am a baptized Christian. I was baptized and raised Episcopalian (which I am sure you know closely mirrors Catholicism in many ways while there are still differences). In the Episcopal Church I was educated in and have always received communion. I married a Catholic man in the Catholic Church without converting. We have found a church that both he and I are comfortable in our new community and it is Catholic. However, when it comes to communion can I accept even though I am not a baptized Catholic? In the church I was raised in I learned that all baptized Christians are welcome to receive communion. Is this so in the Catholic faith as well? I have received conflicting advice from friend and family regarding this. I fear being disrespectful in both taking it and not taking it. If you could help me with this issue I would so appreciate it! Thank you in advance!

Answer
                           Peace

dear Meg
 First sorry for the delay, my computer is down. So I have been using one at public library, on my rare day off.
I disagree Episcoplians in general do not "mirror" Catholic except the rare "anglo-Catholic. I stated this so can some what understand my general view.
 Non-Catholics can recieve if they meet some very strict exceptions to the rule of law. In general Episcopalians in the US and Canada, cant meet those requirements. Judging by what you stated in your question, you can not recieve communion in any Catholic community united with Rome.
               your servant but His first,
                          george