This is really very interesting, I would not be surprised if Pope Benedict did not get involved with any discussion about ‘community priests’ but as with anything, discussion with a Pope, whoever that is, may excite the hope that something is becoming more official, and on this Benedict would – I should think – be seriously upset – he is an autocrat. In Canon Law it is first stated that only a Catholic Priest can give communion to a Catholic, and, a Catholic can only receive communion from a Catholic priest. (Can. 844. SS1)
But as in many area’s of Canon Law, there are ‘buts’ which provide for a certain flexibility, out of kindness. SS’s 2,3,4, of Can. 844 explains; ‘Whenever necessity requires or a genuine spiritual advantage commends it, and the danger of error, or indifferentism is avoided, Christ’s faithful for whom it is physically or morally impossible to approach a catholic minister, may lawfully receive the sacraments of penance, the Eucharist and anointing of the sick from non-catholic ministers in whose Churches these sacraments are valid.’ These sub-sections are very important to remember, for they provide for for those, with an APPROPRIATE attitude, state of the heart IN MINISTER AND COMMUNICANT when need arises, such as a shortage, or no access to the Eucharist, including for whole – non-catholic communities, provided you have permission from a bishop, and CRUCIALLY, if a person is ‘properly disposed.’ i.e.
an appropriate attitude, RESPECT, and preparation is in place. I have no problem taking communion in the Anglican Church, because it is ALWAYS stated, that we are welcome, if, we are ‘communicants in our own church’ signifying we have been properly prepared! Which is what Canon Law states. For me, it is how my preparation is formed and the state of my own prayer and spiritual condition at the time. So, community priests seems to me to be a wonderful and critically, kindly way, to help in the crisis of a Eucharist shortage.
The problem as always – I would suspect, is making it look official. I always remember, Catholic Priests the world over are doing their ‘own thing’ and giving communion to non-Catholics, it just isn’t officially stated! Non inter-communion is terrible to me, it seems a nonsense to deny it is happening, and, it is healing and welcoming when practiced; I don’t feel we should box up and put a lid on the Holy Spirit, the Spirit overrides everything. I do confess, of course, this is all VERY simply said, knowing the Commentary on the Catechism, and the Catechism itself, have a great deal more to say but this, we can all read for ourselves. It seems to me at least, Virginia has hit on the work of the Spirit in its true sense here, and I just love it!
Whether Bishops will discuss it of course, is yet another problem.
JanStephen:
Great comment Ollie … and I firmly believe than when the Eucharist is made available in all the ways noted and yet to created … the law will be changed. Law follows justice … in a just church unjust law will be changed to reflect a more perfected Body of Christ. Long haul ahead … but the path is clear.
Jesus respected law, came not to overthrow it, but made calling out unjust law a big part of His Teaching. Law changes to reflect deeper truth in justice. Gender Equality, one the greatest measures of Justice applied.